
/ 



ESDI 




36th Congress, ? HOUSE OF ReJ 1 to &ENTATIVES. C Report 
2c? Session. J > No 79 

E 501 
■ U58 
Copy 1 wfttwv 

ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION AGAIi -'i'HE GOV- 
ERNMENT WITHIN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 



Februar? 14, 1861.— Laid upon the table, and ordered to be printed. 

Mr. W. A. Howard, from the select committee, submitted the 

following. 

REPORT. 

Ihe select committee of five, appointed by the House on the 9th of Jan- 
uary, 1861, respectfully submit the /olloioing report, in part : 

On the 26th of January the following resolution was referred to 
said committee. 

"Resolved, That the select committee of five be instructed to in- 
quire whether any secret organization hostile to the government of 
the United States exists in the District of Columbia ; and if so 
whether any official or employe of the city of Washington, or any 
employes or officers of the federal government in the executive or 
judicial departments, are members thereof." 

The committee entered upon the investigation under a deep sense 
of the importance and the intrinsic difficulty of the inquiry. To 
prove the existence of a secret organization having tor its object the 
resistance to and overthrow of the government would, in the very 
nature of the case, be a difficult task if such an organization really 
existed. On the other hand, in a time of high excitement, consequent 
upon revolutionary events transpiring all around us, the very air filled 
with rumors, and individuals indulging in the most extravagant ex- 
pressions of fears and threats, it might well be thought difficult to 
elicit such clear proof as would enable the committee to pronounce 
I authoritatively that no such organization existed, and thus contribute 
( to the quiet of the public mind and the peace of the country. The 
,; committee have pursued their labors with a determination on thei 
part to ascertain the real facts so far as possible ; and if, sometime? , 
they have permitted inquiries and admitted testimony not strictly 
within the rules of evidence, or within the scope of the resolutions it 
is to be attributed to their great anxiety to elicit the real facts anclfcu 
remove unfounded apprehensions. 

The extraordinary excitement existing prior to the late presidential 
Section led disaffected persons of high and low position, after the 
ult of that election became known, to consult together on the qtfe'stioa 
f submitting to that result, and also upon various modes of r, 




I 







,fILE ORGANIZATION 

ance. Among other modes, resistance to counting the ballots, to the 
inauguration of Mr. Lincoln, the seizure of the Capitol and the Dis- 
trict of Columbia, were discussed informally in this city and else- 
where. But too much diversity of opinion seems to have existed to 
admit of th^ * ; >n of any well-organized plan, until some of the 

States cour to reduce their theories of secession to practice. 

Since the_i pe\ thus disaffected seem to have adopted the idea that 

all resistance to .ne government, if there is to be any, should have at 
least the color of State authority. If the purpose was at any time 
entertained of forming an organization, secret or open, to seize the 
District of Columbia, attack the Capitol, or prevent the inauguration 
of Mr. Lincoln, it seems to have been rendered contingent upon the 
secession of either Maryland or Virginia, or both, and the sanction of 
one of those States. 

Certain organizations in this District and in Maryland, that prior 
to the election seem to have been only political clubs, have since as- 
sumed the character of military organizations, are now engaged in 
drilling, and expect to provide themselves with arms, some from the 
State authorities, and others from private subscriptions. But so far 
as the committee were able to learn their purposes, while they sym- 
pathized strongly with secession, there is no proof that they intend to 
attack either the Capitol or the District, unless the surrender should 
be demanded by a State to which they profess a high degree of alle- 
giance. Some of these companies in Baltimore profess to be drilling 
lor the sole purpose of preventing other military companies from 
passing through the State of Maryland. Whether these representa- 
tions of the purposes of these companies he correct or not, the com- 
mittee have Jailed to discover any satisfactory evidence that they have 
any purpose whatever, as a mere mob, without the sanction of State 
authority, to attack the Capitol, or any other public property in this 
District, or to seize the District. If it should be admitted that any 
one of these organizations were hostile to the government, or enter- 
tained unlawful purposes, they are in no proper sense secret, and are 
therefore not such as are contemplated in the resolution of the House. 
The committee are unanimously of the opinion that the evidence 
produced before them does not prove the existence of a secret organi- 
zation here or elsewhere hostile to the government, that has for its 
object, upon its own responsibility, an attack upon the Capitol, or any 
of the public property here, or an interruption of any of the 1'unctions 
of the government. 

The committee submit herewith all the testimony taken upon the 
subject, and ask that the same, and this report, be printed, and that 
the committee be discharged from the further consideration of the 
subject. 






IN THE DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA. 3 

No. 5. 

Tuesday, January 29, 1861. 
James G-. Bereet sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 
Question. The House of Representatives on Saturday last adopted 
the following resolution : 

"Resolved, That the select committee of five he instructed to inquire 
whether any secret organization hostile to the government of the United 
States exists in the District of Columbia; and if so, whether any offi- 
cial or employe of the city of Washington, or any employes or officers 
of the federal government in the executive or judicial departments, are 
members thereof." 

The committee have requested your attendance here for the purpose 
of ascertainiug if you could give them any information upon that sub- 
ject. 

Answer. As mayor of the city of Washington my attention has 
been drawn, of course, to the various rumors that have found their 
way into the public press ; and I have not confined my investigations 
to this city alone ; they have extended beyond, both north and south 
of the Potomac. I have not been able to ascertain the slightest 
ground for any apprehension that there has been contemplated, or that 
there is likely to be contemplated, any foray or raid upon the city of 
Washington. 

Question. Or to seize the public property ? 

Answer. Or to seize the public property, or to interfere with any 
/ public rights whatever. On the contrary, I am thoroughly convinced 
that while the peace of this city was never more literally under the 
control of the police than it is to-day, it will remain undisturbed in 
the future. Every indication points to that result ; and unless some 
manifestation should be made, which we all shall be enabled to see — 
except for the purpose of keeping off the crowd, and keeping the streets 
clear on the fourth of March, in order that whatever pageant there 
may be shall not be interrupted — I shall deem it wholly unnecessary 
to add one solitary man to the police force of the city, except, as was 
the case of the inauguration of the statue of Washington, on the 22d 
of February last, when, you will remember, two hundred special 
police were appointed to keep the streets clear of carriages and 
vehicles of every kind, so that they might not crowd upon the pro- 
cession. I know the people of Washington — I think I know them 
well ; and I do not believe there is a solitary man in this city, with 
any claims to decency and standing, who would attempt to place the 
slightest impediment in the way of the peaceable inauguration of 
Mr. Lincoln. There are two organizations here : one started under 
the auspices of General Carrington, for the ostensible purpose of 
forming a military association ; but after all, it was a mere political 
organization, a mere revival of an old political organization. And 
the same may be said in regard to another organization, whose reso- 
lutions have been spread before the public — an organization called 
the " National Volunteers." That, too, is a political organization ; 



f 



4 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

the revival of an old one. I know them to he not only respectable, 
but they are stakeholding citizens, a great many of them, who would 
scorn to do anything that would bring reproach upon the city. I 
would rely upon them, as I would upon a large majority of the gen- 
tlemen belonging to Captain Carrington's organization, as affording 
an efficient means of maintaining the public peace. In a single word, 
I will say to you, in all candor and frankness, that I consider the 
municipal authorities here, as at present constituted, without any 
increase of force, abundantly competent to maintain the peace of thfs 
city, and afford the amplest protection to life and property. Events 
may occur in the future to lead me to change that opinion ; but that 
is my conviction now. 

Question. Have you had your attention called to the question as to 
whether there was in existence here any secret organization? 

Answer. Yes, sir; there is none. 

Question. And that is all false? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; that grew out of this fact : This " National Vol- 
unteer" association or organization existed as a political organization 
prior to the presidential election, and was known as the Breckinridge 
and Lane Club. Near the close of the canvass, as is frequently the 
case with all political organizations, they found themselves involved 
in debt. They assembled in private meeting for the purpose of deter- 
mining upon some financial scheme to extricate themselves from that 
debt ; and their transactions, which they supposed to be under the 
seal of privacy, were published in the "Star," of this city, which 
made them exceedingly indignant ; and when this " National Volun- 
teer" organization met here recently, finding the reporter of the 
"Star,'' or the person connected with that paper, present, they con- 
cluded, for the purpose of excluding him, to make their meeting se- 
cret. But at their next meeting they invited, by name, the reporters 
of the papers in the city to be present, and report the proceedings of 
the meeting. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Including or excluding the "Star?" 

Answer. Excluding the " Star." That I understood to be the fact. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You think that is the origin of these rumors? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Can you mention, in that connexion, the names of any 
prominent citizens connected with that association— the names of any 
who are known to the public? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I will take, for instance, Mr. Charles H. Win- 
der, a gentleman of acknowledged character and standing and high 
social position. And there is the son-in-law of Governor Wise, who, 
like his father-in-law, is a gentleman of very decided character and 
standing. 

Question. You refer to Dr. Garnett? 



< 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 5 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and there is Dr. Boyle, a son of one of the old- 
est and most respectable men of this city. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. A property-holder here? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; a large property-holder. Mr. William H. Tho- 
mas, also a very respectable, intelligent man, and a man of property. 
That association represents a very considerable amount of property — 
probably $100,000. It is utterly impossible, I think, that any such 
state of things as has been represented in the papers should exist here 
without my knowing something about it. But any information which 
I can give the committee, or any facilities which I can afford them 
with a view to acquire information, will be most cheerfully given. 

Question. The towns and country are full of rumors about a secret 
organization called the " K. G-. C," or the " Knights of the Golden 
Circle," or something of that kind ; have you any information of, or 
do you believe that any such organization ever existed here? 

Answer. That was an old concern that started in connexion with 
Cuba, or something of that kind. I have never heard of any such 
organization here. 

Question. Nor of any citizens belonging to any such organization ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I saw in a paper the other day — the " Star," I 
think — the name of L. Q. Washington associated with some such or- 
ganization as that, mentioning, in connexion with it, that he was very 
high up in the order — some grand title, " G. W. T.," or something 
of the kind. I do not know what it meant ; but I regarded it as a 
mere piece of facetiousness on the part of the editor. I certainly never 
heard that there was a meeting here. I do not think there ever was. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Of how many men does the police force of the city con- 
sist? 

Answer. One hundred. 

Question. Have there been any additions to it lately ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you, from personal examination, ascertained of those 
who constitute the police force their sentiments latterly towards the 
government? 

Answer. I have not inquired of them individually ; but I regard 
them as perfectly loyal — as perfectly within my command. If they 
/ were not so, they could not belong to the force. 

Question. Do you know their sentiments touching their duty, pro- 
vided there should be a secession of Maryland and Virginia? 

Answer. I never inquired with any such view as that, because I 
regarded that as not within the range of probability at all. 

Question. That either State should secede ? 

Answer. If either or both of them should secede, I think I should 
command the hearty efforts of every citizen here to preserve order. 

Question. I wanted to know if, in view of any such contingency, 
you have made any such inquiries of the police? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have not. 



6 ALLEGED IIOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Either of the captains or the subordinates? 

Answer. No, sir; I have not. 

Question. Do you know of how many men the police force in charge 
of the Capitol consists? 

Answer. Only from what I read in the papers. 

Question. They are independent of you ? 

Answer. Tes, sir ; I think the chief of police told me yesterday 
they numbered twenty-nine men. 

Question. Your chief, or the other ? 

Answer. The chief if the Capitol police. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Captain Dunnington ? 
Answer. Tes, sir. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. You have a chief of the police ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. "What is his name ? 

Answer. John H. Goddard. 

Question. Is he a native of this city? 

Answer. No, sir ; he is a native of Ehode Island, and as good a 
man as ever lived. 

Question. Do you think the resolution which was published in the 
papers here as having been adopted by the " National Volunteers," 
respecting what they should deem to be their duty in the case a cer- 
tain contingency arose, expressed the views of that organization? — I 
mean the one which, in substance, stated that if Maryland and Vir- 
ginia should secede they should go with them — that their allegiance 
would be with them. 

Answer. I doubt whether the resolution was well considered ; I do 
not think it could have been, or they would not have adopted it. 

Question. "Was it adopted by the company ? 

Answer. I understand it was. 

Question. Do you know who offered it? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Do you know whether it was adopted with unanimity ? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Or whether it was adopted after discussion ? 

Answer. No, sir; I do not. 

Question. Have you heard of any attempt to rescind it ? 

Answer. I have not ; I have heard that talked of. 

Question. Do you suppose it stands now as the record of the com- 
pany ? 

Answer. I should think it did. I read the resolution hastily ; I 
never re-read it. And I never did get a very distinct knowledge of 
the purposes of the association from the resolution. But what I un- 
derstood ;rom some of the gentlemen with whom I talked was this : 
their idea was, that if the southern States should go out, and if a 
southern confederacy should be formed, and if a formal attempt should 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 7 

be made upon the part of one section to war against the other section, 
then in that case they of course would be in line with their section. 

Question. Do you know who is the commander of that organiza- 
tion ? 

Answer. I think they have no commander. 

Question. Have they any officers ? 

Answer. I think not. 

Question. What position does Dr. Garnett hold in it? 

Answer. I think he is a private in the ranks, so I understand. 

Question. Do they parade? 

Answer. I think not. They are drilling, and I think the other 
night they did walk down the streets in pairs ; so I understood. 

Question. Under whose superintendence are they drilling? 

Answer. They have men in their numbers who served in the Mexi- 
can war, and who are military men. 

Question. Do you know wbo they are? 

Answer. I understood that a gentleman by the name of William 
B. Maxwell was one. 

Question. What position did he hold in the Mexican war ? 

Answer. I think he belonged to the Virginia regiment. 

Question. Do you know any other military men there? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not. 

Question. Does any personal interview with them, or personal 
knowledge of your own, besides your inferences from the character of 
the gentlemen, lead you to suppose that they are entirely loyal to the 
Union ? 

Answer. I am satisfied, from my knowledge of the character of the 
gentlemen who belong to that association, and from personal contact 
with many of them, that they are entirely loyal. 

Question. Have you latterly had any personal intercourse with any 
of them ? 

Answer. It was only on Sunday last that I had a very long conver- 
sation with a very respectable gentleman, a member of that organiza- 
tion, from whom I got a history of the organization, and who, I 
have no doubt, will, with great pleasure, give it to your committee in 
detail. 

Question. What did you learn from this interview, or otherwise, 
were their real sentiments touching their duty to the Union, in case 
of force being resorted to ? 

Answer. I learned this : that they were prepared and ready to 
afford me their aid, in any manner that I might see fit to command it, 
to maintain the public peace of this city. 

Question. Are they considered as under the control of the military 
arm, as a part of the military force? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. They are independent, are they ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; they are perfectly independent. 

Question. Did you learn from them that they were willing to await 
orders from General Scott ? 

Answer. I did not. I did not understand from them that they had 
reached that point. They had not even elected an officer, or been 



S AT.T.FGED HOSTILE 0EGAKIZA7I0X 

furE - inns. They do not belong to the military . .- 

all. 
d. Have they no am - 
rer. I think not. 
Question. How do they drill? 
swer. In - • 

- a. Do not companies when the; 
r. Oh ! no. 
Que- an arm 

Q'- - there place of meetir _ 

A_- : . - : j be in Harmon - 

advertised in the pa^ 

Question. Of how many does this organization of General 
ton ; - 

:o not know. 

Question. Ral antag political organiz . i think, 

is a : olitical organiza* 
Qc— ■ : And rather anl 2 -tic to the 

I are anta. - to each other in politics. 
Question. Was 1 Volunteers' association organ! 

I 

The N tti ~al Vole: . - 

Qc- Dgton - Las been organized within 

A:s*c:. Yt- sir. 

Question. Is there entire good feeling between the two organixa- 
:. i- - 

swer. Personally, . si old -'..ink there 

■U:i I . • ■ ■ :aere 

here not to be known by ordi- 
• 

ell, I have taken pains to avail myself of various 
sources of information — in c : • :hose 

npon whom I had no particular da - - uch, but who, like m 
have a g: r of the : 

Qr. my portion of the police for 

rer. 5 

individual to 

:ion or r 
with the marshal of the pol x : Baltimore, and conferred with per- 
sons passing to and from the soul I have had no regular 
beca:.- 
consequence to - at all. 

Qu- ? :i n. Yon :tt ; : lid investio 
find oat anything ot" : 



IN" THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. V 

Answer. No, sir ; I never did. And all the investigations I have 
ever made have only confirmed me in that conviction. 

Question Have you conferred with General Scott upon the subject? 

Answer. I have. 

Question. How lately? 

Answer. Within two or three weeks. I asked General Scott if he 
could point me to any fact which warranted any such conclusion. 

Question. Have you co-operated with him in this matter? 

Answer. General Scott has not made me his confidant. He told 
me he had no fact ~. 

Question. Up to what date was that? 

Answer. Two weeks ago, perha- a. 

-tion. Has he called upon you upon him, since? 

Answer. I called upon him about two weeks since, at the request 
of Captain Stone. 

Question. At the inauguration of Mr. Buchanan, in 1856, what 
additional police force did you ha*. - 

Answer. I was not mayor at that time. I think the whole of the 
extra police force numbered 100. Their regular police force at that 
time did not exceed 60. I think. 

Que?:: >n. A: the time of the inauguration of the Washington 
statue you added, temporarily, 200 to the police force. 

Answer. Yes. sir. 

Question. W - I ."in anticipation of any particular disturbance? 

Answer. Not a: all ; it was only for the purpose of protecting the 
eant from the crowd. It was done at the request of the joint 
committee of Congress. 

Question. There was no anticipated trouble at all on that occasion? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Everything was in perfectly good temper? 

Answer. Yes. sir ; as I think it is now. 

Question. You think thai is true of the present state : things? 

Answer. I do, most un . ly. I shall be most egregiously 

ointed if it proves to be different. 

Question. You do not apprehend any trouble from broils in drinking 
saloon- such as that? 

Answer. That i occur in such a i - :;h a 

time. It occurred when Mr. Buchanan was inaugurated. I suppose 
15 or : -:1 shots were har:_ red at the National Hotel, 

among men of the same political pa 

Question. Have you made any efforts to ascertain whether, on* 
of the District, in the neighborhood, there ioee not exist aomj 
daily drillin g - 

Answer. 1 have inquire : o in Maryland, some of whom 

belong to this militarv organization, and I know distinctly irom 

them — an 1 I know they are incapable of misrepresenting anything — 

their organization has exclusive reference to their own protection. 

Quest -Vill you give me the names of some of t 

r. William Bowie — I think his na-_ "iliam — of Prince 

George's county, is one. He is a son of Colonel Willie. 
I think it was only a night or two ago that 1 spoke to him abc 



10 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION" 

He told me they had organized a troop of horse there for their own 
. - . sty. 

Question. Did you ascertain from him when it was organized? 

Answer. Yes. sir ; very recently, I think. 

Question. Of how many does iti 

Answer. I did not inquire. 

Question. Did you ascertain who was in command of it ? 

Answer. No, sir : I did not. 

Question. Any other gentleman that you could name? 

Answer. No. sir : I do not remember any other at this moment. I 
am sure I have talked with others, though I know the character of 
the gentlemen there so well that I should be restrained from seeming 
to interrogate them, because they are too high, in every sense cf the 
word, to be engaged in any enterprise that is not eminently lawful. 

Question. Do you think they occupy a higher position than Gov- 
ernor 'Wise!" 

Answer. In a social point of view they do n 

Question. Have you more confidence in Govern - son-in- 

law, and in his loyalty, than you have in that of Governor 
himself? 

Answer. I have perfect confidence in the loyalty of each of them. 
I have not the slightest idea that either of them would put himself 
at the head of any organ: sal for any unlawful purp 

Question. You have no idea that either of them ever contemplated 
3g the Capitol by force? 

Answer. Nt . sir : I have not the slighte-" 

- n. Have you taken any special rnea- . 91 .- ::ain whether 
that was so in referenc I i pernor Wif 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you taken any measures to ascertain whether there 
sted any organization under Governor Wise's own command ; and 
.: • . how cxrensivv it w - 

Answer. I have inquired, and looked into the ne - it I 

never attached ai. uence myself to any idea of any foray upon 

Washing^ q. I regarded that as a mere political movement at the 
time: as a s • :-oti to the Wide-awakrs. 

Question. What do you suppose was the end contemplated by the 
organization? 

Answer. I supposed it was a mere political organization, that would 
- : srist when the presidential canvass terminal 

Question. Do you think it has n;>w cease I I sist 

Answer. I do. 

q. Have you taken an; - .'.a that : . 

Answer. No, sir, I have not : because I no conse- 

quence to it in view of our peculiar r J to this question. 

By Mr. Bk-axch : 

Question. V." - ;>ur understanding of the object of :'.._- -Minute 
Men?" That that orga was for the pur: iking an 

k upon • _ con ,01 - ad themselves 

and tht. States from an attack by the government ? 



IX THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 11 

Answer. I certainly supposed the organization contemplated opera- 
tions within their own State. 

Mr. Branch read the following extract from the Washington cor- 
respondence of the New York Herald, published January 28, 1861 : 

" The most intense excitement exists in certain congressional circles 
in consequence of the fact leaking out that the Howard select com- 
mittee of the House have positive evidence before them of a conspiracy 
existing in this city and vicinity to overthrow the government, in 
which certain prominent officials and citizens in Washington and else- 
where figure. Decisive action will be taken in relation to the matter, 
and every man, from ex-cabinet officers down to the humblest depart- 
ment clerk or Senate employe, will be held to the strictest account. 
In this emergency it is gratifying to know that, while there may be 
many citizens in Maryland who, when they can honorably do it, if 
they cannot consistently remain in the Union, will go out, have deter- 
mined that while they do remain in it they will be loyal citizens, and 
when they go out will not do so dishonorably. 

" The existence of the conspiracy has been known to certain officials 
in Washington for some time." 

The Chairman* stated to the witness that he was the first one who 
had been examined in reference to this subject. 

After some conversation the examination was proceeded with. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Now as to these National Volunteers ; when were they 
organized ? 

Answer. I think just prior to the presidential election. 

Question. Does that organization extend north of Washington? 
Have you heard of its existence in any of the northern cities ? 

Answer. In Baltimore there is an organization called the National 
Volunteers. 

Question. Did you, previous to the election, hear of a similar organi- 
zation in New York, or elsewhere in the north ? 

Answer. I think I did. I think they were gotten up in opposition 
to the Wide-awake organization. That was my understanding of it 
at the time. 

Question. Did you ever hear of any branch of that organization 
south of the city of Washington ? 

Answer. I never did. 

Question. Is it confined to the city of Washington and to the 
north ? 

Answer. I think so ; so far as my knowledge extends. In speaking 
of the National Volunteers, it is proper for me to say that while origi- 
nally they numbered upwards of 300 members, I have the most 
reliable information that their numbers now do not exceed 45. 



By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. In this city ? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 



? 



12 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Has there ever been in this city any Wide-awake organi- 
zation? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Did the Wide-awakes here drill ? 

Answer. That I do not know. 

Question. Have you ever seen or known of the Wide-awake associa- 
tion at the north drilling? 

Answer. I have seen it stated in the public papers that they drilled. 

Question. Drilled as armed men. as soldiers? 

Answer. I think it likely they did. But really, so far as the Wide- 
awake and National Volunteer associations are concerned. I never 
regarded them in their palmiest days as having power to disturb the 
peace and quiet of this city. 

Question. The National Volunteers here, you say, are only 45 now ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; at their last meeting. They had several meet- 
ings, I think, when they did not exceed 25 or 30. 

Question. You say the Wide-awakes never drilled here? 

Answer. Never, to my knowledge. 

Question. Have you yourself ever seen them drill at the north ? 

Answer. I never have. 

Question. You have understood that they did drill there? 

Answer. I got that impression from the public papers. 

Question. Do you know of any collection or deposit of arms in secret 
places in this city by or under the control of any combination of 
persons of any political party ? 

Answer. I do not. 

By Mr. Dawe- : 

Question. Have you taken any measures to ascertain that fact ? 

Answer. I h°.ve taken no measures specifically to ascertain that 
fact? 

Question. Will you tell me in what particular part of the north 
you ever heard of the Wide-awake organization going through the 
military drill? 

Answer. Well, I got my impression from the public papers ; I 
think it applied to all northern cities. 

By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. Have you at any time received notices, anonymous or 
otherwise, of the existence of any conspiracy or organization for the 
disturbance of the peace of this District? 

Answer. No, sir ; I think not. 

Question. Have you heard of any anonymous communications of 
that character being sent to individuals ? 

Answer. I think not ; I may have heard it, however ; I have so 
frequently received anonymous communications, threatening myself 
and the President and other people, that I never attach any conse- 
quence to anonymous communications. 

Question. You have heard of none of any character bearing upon 
this subject ? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 13 

Answer. I have heard of none ; I have seen nothing of the kind ; 
I do not believe in the existence of anything which has for its object 
the disturbance of the peace and quiet of the city of Washington on 
the 4th of March next. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Or before the 4th of March ? 

Answer. Either before or after the 4th of March. 

By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. If, in the present state of feeling in the District, you 
should hear of anonymous communications to respectable females, 
helpless persons, warning them to be absent on or about the 4th of 
March, would you deem the matter of sufficient consequence to investi- 
gate it? 

Answer. I hear it now for the first time. There was a notice going 
the rounds of the press that Governor Wise advised his family — I 
suppose it referred to Dr. Garnett — to be out of the city before the 
4th of March ; that was all I heard. 

Question. I have no special reference to anything, but simply to 
ask whether, in the present state of feeling in the District, such knowl- 
edge brought to your attention would justify you, in your judgment, 
to inquire concerning it ? 

Answer. I think I should be inclined, from any plausible repre- 
sentations brought to my notice bearing upon this question, to look 
into it. But it has not been brought to my attention. I have talked 
with leading southern men from various States, and in my conversa- 
tion with them I find nothing that justifies the conclusion that there 
is to be any disturbance ; on the contrary, without a solitary dissenting 
voice, they repudiate and repel the idea that the south would tolerate 
any such thing in any of her citizens. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Would you expect a man who was engaged in any such 
attempt as that to own it to you ? 

Answer. No, sir, I would not ; but I would expect that any such 
organization as that would certainly come to my knowledge in some 
form or other. 

Question. You would expect to find it out from some other source? 

Answer. The truth is, I do not see, I am free to admit, how such 
an organization could exist twenty-four hours without its being known. 
It would involve the necessity of the moving of a large number of 
men and the accumulation of arms, and all that sort of thing. A 
mob could be gotten up very suddenly, there is no question about 
that. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. You speak of having seen rumors in the papers in regard 
to disturbing the peace here. Have you ever seen any of those rumors 
in southern papers, or are they all confined to northern papers? 



14 ALLEGED HOoTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. I think they are confined pretty much to the leading 
papers in the north. 

Question. Would you think it very strange, when letters in the 
Herald of the description I have lead here were written here from this 
city, entirely unfounded, that timid females should be alarmed and 
desirous of getting outside of the city before the 4th of March ? 

Answer. No, sir, I should not; but according to my experience 
some timid men get more alarmed than timid women ; I have not seen 
any women who were alarmed, but I have seen some men who were. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Would you expect, if such an organization in a commu- 
nity existed to any extent, to find a warning in the public press of 
the locality where it existed, and which would be likely to be infected 
with the same spirit that would prompt the getting up an organiza- 
tion of that kind ? 

Answer. The fact of it is, I should not look to the public press at 
all for accurate iniormation upon that subject. 

Question. But least of all to the public press of the vicinity ? 

Answer. We do not get that information from abroad. I have 
mingled with ladies here, and have not yet found the first lady who 
has expressed to me the slightest concern. But I am constantly met 
by men about it every day. No, sir ; I have not seen the moment 
when my apprehensions have been aroused by this matter. I cannot 
see the reason for it, in the first place ; I see no preparation for it. 

Question. Do you know of any measures adopted by those who have 
charge of the peace of the city to prevent any disturbance here ? 

Answer. I know that gentlemen from the north and the south have 
taken some pains to express the opinion that people should come here 
in their individual capacity, and not in organized bodies. 1 think 
the advice good, and very commendable to persons of either section. 
I think there will be, comparatively speaking, very few people here 
on the 4th of March, from the north or south. 

By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. How large is the military force of this District ? 

Answer. I do not know. I have been told that there are enrolled 
about 2,500 men. 

Question. What is the present effective force, the volunteer force? 

Answer. I suppose they might number 300 or 400 men. 

Question. Are you aware of there being other disciplined forces in 
the District? 

Answer. Yes, sir; there are several companies in Georgetown, I 
think. There are companies now being organized. I understand 
that it is expected that the volunteer militia, under the present sys- 
tem of enrolment, will number 2,500. 

Question. Armed ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Do you mean uniformed companies? 
Answer. No, 6ir ; all together. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 15 



By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. Armed, but without opportunity to drill, I suppose? 

Answer. They are drilling now, I think, all over the city, under 
the general superintendence of the inspector general, Colonel Stone. 

Question. Are you aware of any other force than this? 

Answer. I understand that there are some federal troops. I believe 
General Scott, and the President also, told me that they intended to 
bring them here. 

Question. You think, from your knowledge of events and facts here, 
that there are active military preparations made to meet any possible 
insurrection, melee, or insubordination? 

Answer. Oh, yes ; there is no question about that. The federal 
government, it seems, are taking very active measures to bring here 
as large a body of troops as they can conveniently command at this 
point. They mean to organize the militia with a view to avail them- 
selves of their services if occasion should require. The present indi- 
cations are, I think, that you will inaugurate Mr. Lincoln in a peace- 
able city, and in the midst of a peaceable assemblage of office-seekers 
and office-holders, and various other people. I should feel it to be 
my duty, if I discovered any plan that looked to a disturbance of the 
public peace, to serve notices upon the men engaged in it. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Have those companies of the federal troops been brought 
here in accordance with your request? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Did General Scott state to you that there was any fact to 
warrant his bringing them here? 

Answer. No, sir. Yet so much had been said that he was induced 
to bring them here. I talked with the President previously, and he 
expressed his determination to bring them here, and he asked me 
what I thought of it. I said I thought it very well to have the public 
property properly cared for ; that the arsenal was in a very unpro- 
tected condition, with a large quantity of arms there ; and that it 
might be, and undoubtedly would be, well and prudent and proper, 
at all times, for the government to protect its property with as much 
care as an individual would protect his. 

JAMES G. BERRET. 



No. 6. 

Tuesday, January 29, 1861. 



John B. Blake sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you reside in Washington? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 



16 ALLEGED IIOSTILE ORGANIZATION" 

Question. Are you the Superintendent of Public Buildings here? 

Answer. Commissioner of Public Buildings and Grounds is the 
term. 

Question. As such, do you have the control and charge of the Capi- 
tol police? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What is the extent of that force at the present time? 

Answer. The regular force is 14 men, including the captain, 13 
besides the captain. But I was authorized by the President of the 
Senate and Speaker of the House to increase it temporarily, until the 
loth of March nest, by appointing 14 additional men, that is, doubling 
the force. 

Question. That is, making 28 in all? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; or 29 in all, as I come in as the head of the 
police. 

Question. You count yourself in? 

Answer. Yes, sir, when there is any difficulty. 

Question. And 14 men have been appointed recently? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question From all that you know, do you anticipate that there is 
any extraordinary danger to the Capitol and the public property 
here : any designs upon it from any quarter? 

Answer. I do not apprehend the least danger at all. I have never 
seen any reason for apprehension more than the general clamor upon 
the subject. 

Question. You know of no facts that lead you to believe there is 
any cause for apprehension? 

Answer. I do not I think myself it all originated from some 
remark made by Governor Wise during the canvass. I have never 
seen any reason to give credence to the apprehension. I have talked 
freely with the President and other officers of the government, and 
they have interrogated me freely upon my opinion in reference to it. 
I told them I could see no real grounds to apprehend danger. 

Question. Have you any knowledge of any secret organization here, 
civil, military, or otherwise, that has for its object any attack in any 
shape upon the public property here? 

Answer. No, sir ; none whatever. 

Question. Or to disturb the peace? 

Answer. None whatever. 

Question. Have you ever taken any pains to ascertain whether 
there was or not ? 

Answer. I have never done anything more than to inquire among 
my men if they saw or heard any cause of danger. I have talked 
with them freely upon the subject, and told them that if they saw any 
suspicious movement, or heard of anything that would give rise to 
any suspicion of any design upon the buildings or the peace of the 
city, they must communicate the fact to me. But I have never been 
able to elicit anything from them. And I will say in regard to this 
organization of National Volunteers, I know nothing whatever about 
them, except that one of the men who was under my charge said that 
he had been a member of it, but that that was before the election, 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. It 

and then it was for no improper purpose whatever. He was one of 
the police recently appointed. Another of my men — not, however, 
one of the police — who has been in my service five years and a half, 
said that he was a member of it. I interrogated him yesterday very 
strictly upon the subject. He said it did not contemplate any unlawful 
object whatever. He told me, moreover, that it had originated pretty 
much because of the Wide-awake movement ; that the Wide-awakes 
had made a great parade, and of course our men thought they must 
make a show too, and they formed the National Volunteers as a sort 
of offset to the Wide-awakes. 

Question. An electioneering machine? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I always understood that to be the object. I 
never was at any meeting of them, and never knew anything about 
them ; I never inquired particularly about them. I would hear 
people say, "There go the National Volunteers," when the demo- 
crats were making a parade. The first time I saw them was when I 
was standing by the Capitol here, and saw them going to the depot, 
and was told they were going to some meeting in Baltimore. They 
had no uniform on, except caps of a peculiar kind. They said they 
were going to Baltimore for a great parade — a lamp-light procession 
that night. 

Question. At what time was that? 

Answer. That was the latter part of October. 

Question. Before the election ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I do not think that, except on the night of the 
election, there has been any demonstration by them here at all. I 
never saw them at any other time. That night a parcel of fellows — 
I understood they were some of these — went down below where I live. 
I heard a noise, and got up and raised my window and looked out, 
and saw some police running. I had intended to have gone down, 
but as soon as they heard that the police were coming, they left. 

Question. You allude to the mob that attacked the printing office 
of Buell & Blanchard? 

Answer. Yes, sir; I heard the noise, and got up and looked out, 
and saw that there was a row down there. 

Question. That was immediately after the election? 

Answer. That was on the night of the election. 

Question. In consequence of the high state of excitement, here ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you ever heard any rumors about there being pow- 
der deposited in the Capitol here? 

Answer. Yes, sir, I have heard those rumors. 

Question. I suppose you traced out their falsity? 

Answer. Certainly. There was nothing of the kind. A great 
many persons have asked me about it, and we have been very parr- 
ticular in examining. 

Question. You did examine inconsequence of these rumors, although 
you did not believe in them ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; we have examinations made every night. The 
first thing we do after closing the building at night is to go all 
through it, up and down — all through the cellar and every place, and 
H. Rep. Com. 79 2 



- 



1 8 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGASTZATIOX 

look closely. And I have told my men to be particularly careful un- 
der exisi _ reumstances. I was afraid that somebody, without 
intending u> blow up the Capital, but merely to create an excitement, 
might bring in a keg of powder and deposit it there: tor I thought 
- a a fool as to bring in a keg of powder and ex- 
plode it himself. 

Question. Unless they had a pretty long fuse? 
Answer. Yc>. Bir. I have given the men rigid instructions ; I have 
put them at all the main doors in the daytime. - I .: they may know 
what comes in and what goes out. At night, after the post office is 
closed, which is sometimes pretty late, they are required to takedown 
the name and hour when anybody comes in, and the hour when he 
goes out. I have this done so that, in the event of any difficulty 
arising in the Capit .1 can tell who were in the Capitol, in order to 
gel - :ue explanation from them, if possible. 

Question. Can you give us a fist : th( se fourteen men who have 
been recently appoint. 

Answer. I can furnish you with a list of them. I have not the list 
here. 

Question. Do you ka:w them all ; • tally? 

Answer. I know the most of them personally, and they are all men 
f good character, except one man, in whom I have every confidence. 
His mother keeps the Washington House, on the avenue. His name 
is Ben. IV - . He has been raised in : - - rn. I Lave known 
him !rom his boyhood ; and nobody could ever say anything against 
t as - his fighting propensities. He was always a t-rrible 
fellow _ ting Some 1 : : .: ag when know- 

nothingism fir- - ippearance here, there were a parcel of men 

in the Northern Liber _ some kind o: :ion that 

they called the Ping- Ug - Ben rgan meet 

them. They were very much opposed to each other, an I 

the community. Bru was at the head of the States 
Hos • . ■ ' ] 3 a pari 

• the people of this city, and strangers w c re very much 
anno . and Ben got a very bad reputation trom thsr 

stance. But he is a married man, and has been I g to gel 
alon^ - . - er man, and has no bad i .'he likes 

The " ylwasc ruing u: . :ol— 

1 think it was three or four days re the £ 

g to a the subject — I met Ben, and he 

said to il So; going to have Bom . nal police at the 

tol." I said, ■•>" I _ sss not; I have not heard anything 

Hr sa is so ; I have heard it from the mem- 

- a our house; the; :hink there is police - >tect 

the buildings. [said I know nothing about i: Sa I be, "It 

you increase the force, will you give me a pla 1 said. "I 

r make promises, but I w:. _ u a pla ne conii 

Y . '.t ion here in con:. :th the State* 

- dd, • V -.--. at I have b*. g to behave ^ace, and 

nobc ly can say any! _ I knew 

that, and 1 told him I _ "aim a place if he behaved himself, 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 19 

and I did so. I have entire confidence in him myself, and I do not 
know anybody that would be more entirely subject to my control. 

Question. Is there a man amongst them by the name of " Lum 
Cooper?" 

Answer. No, sir, not among them. I know the man you mean. 
He is not a policeman, but he is the man 1 referred to who said that 
he belonged to the National Volunteers. He is a lamp-lighter. I 
appointed him five and a half years ago. I appointed hini at the 
instance of Mr. John C. Rives ; he is a great pet of Mr. Rives. 

Question. Then he does not belong to the police at all? 
i Answer. No, sir 

Question. What is his real name? 

Answer. His real name is Columbus Edelin, I think. His mother 
married a man by the name of Cooper, who brought him up, and so 
he took the name of Cooper from his step-father, and he is called Lum 
Cooper. 

Question. Have you heard any intimations that he was decidedly 
disloyal to the government? 

Answer. No, sir ; 1 will tell you what I saw. A gentleman on 
Sunday brought to my attention the New York Times, in which there 
was an article in which Cooper's name was mentioned. I sent for 
him, and had a conversation with him upon this subject. The article 
referred to some flag on his house, and about his cutting the stars 
out and putting in the palmetto or something of the kind. I asked 
him about it, and inquired of him generally his views about matters. 
He said the flag was not in his yard, and wanted me to get in my 
buggy and go down there and see it. He said the flag was in the 
yard of his neighbor, who was a republican, and that it had only eigh- 
/ teen stars in it ; and he presumed the reason was that it was a flag 
that he bought out of a store, and they just stick in as many stars aa 
they can get in without any reference to the number of States. 

Question. Just fill up the spare room with stars, be it moreor less? 

Answer. Yes, sir He says that he has had no flag there since Mr. 
Buchanan was elected. 

Question. You then regard this imputation upon his loyalty as all 
false from what you know ? 

Answer. So far as the flag is concerned, I will just tell you what 
he said to me. I had heard that he had said he would shoot Mr. 
Lincoln if nobody else would do it. I interrogated him upon that 
point, and he said no man would dare to lace him and bring such aa 
accusation against him. He asked who it was that told me, but I 
decliued to tell him, because I did not feel at liberty to do so. It was 
one of the officers of the House who mentioned it to me. He denied 
it. He said he belonged to the National Volunteers, but they did not 
contemplate any attack upon the city of Washington. He said the 
organization was kept together more for the purpose, if the Wide- 
awakes came on here — to use his expression — " to cut up any shines," 
they would be ready to meet them. That was the object, he said. 



•20 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

By Mr. Branch: 

Question. As I understand you, there was a flag in the yard adjoin- 
ing Cooper's that had but eighteen stars in it, and he attacked the 
flag and cut the stars out because it was not a national flag ? 

Answer. No, sir ; he had nothing at all to do with it. He said the 
flag belonged to his neighbor. He said, moreover, that his neighbor 
there had a meeting almost every night, and that they had arms in 
the house. But he said he did not know for what purpose. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Who is this neighbor? 

Answer. I do not know ; I did not inquire. 

By Mr. Cochrane: 

Question. When was this conversation? 

Answer. It was on yesterday. I will see this man again who told 
me about Mr. Cooper. This Cooper is a very talkative fellow, and I 
have often checked him about his talk. He is a man that has a great 
dial to say. and very little judgment, and often utters things without 
any foundation, 1 should think. He is very extravagant in his talk, 
though he is a little man ; but he is a big bragger. I do not think 
he had anything to do witli that flag. I believe he intends to libel 
the author ot that letter if he can. 

By Mr. Dawes: 

Question. How many of these twenty-eight policemen are members 
of the National Volunteers? 

Answer. Well, sir, I do net know that any of them are, except this 
•man Ben Beveridge ; he joined them originally, but he has not been 
with them since the election ; so he assured me ; I inquired of him 
particularly about that. 

Question. Did you inquire anything about this resolution adopted 
by the National Volunteers, that in case of secession, if their services 
were desired, they would be against the Union ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I did not. The fact is, it did not make the 
slightest impression whatever upon my mind. 

Question. Have you ever made personal inquiry as to the loyalty of 
each one of these twenty-eight police? 

. i.swer. Yes. sir; 1 am prosecuting that inquiry, especially since 
the matter was brought to my attention by the paper that was shown 
to me, which stated that I had appointed persons disloyal to the gov- 
ernment. They are not all at the Capitol at the same time, but so 
far as I have made the investigation it is entirely satisfactory to me. 
Every man ] ledges himselt to sustain the government of the United 
Statts and to protect the buildings here at the hazard of his life. 
They are a string set ot men, a bold set of men, and I think they 
would make a pretty good show if anybody were to come to drive 
them out. 

Question. You have the appointing power? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 21 

Question. And can remove them at any moment ? 
Answer. Yes, sir ; without the interference of anybody. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You consider yourself entirely responsible for these police? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you, in your inquiries and investigations since this 
was called to your attention, had occasion to inquire about a man of 
the name of McConnell? 

Answer. No, sir ; McConnell was not on duty yesterday, I think. 
Is there anything about him? 

Question. I think that his name was mentioned to me, but nothing 
very definite, except that the remark was made that he was a most 
violent secessionist ; but whether they meant to imply by that that it 
was a mere matter of opinion, or that he would turn against the gov- 
ernment, I do not know, but the drift was that he was a strong seces- 
sionist. 

Answer. This man McConnell used to be about the House of Rep- 
resentatives, as doorkeeper or something of that kind. He has often 
applied to me for a place, but I had no opportunity to give it to him. 
I thought he was a very proper sort of man, who always deported 
himself well. He has acted from time to time as substitute for some 
of the men, as they had occasion to go away from Washington, or 
when some one of them was sick. Any man who wants to leave must 
provide a substitute who is satisfactory. He has acted as substitute 
on several occasions, and I thought from that circumstance that he 
was a very trustworthy man ; but I never made any particular 
inquiries as to his politics. 

Question. We do not care what his politics may be. The simple 
question is whether he is a man that could be trusted to do his duty ? 

Answer. I will make particular inquiry about that. I did not have 
the slightest suspicion about him at all. I would be much obliged to 
any of you, gentlemen, if you would inform me of any names about 
whom anything is said, for it is necessary for me to know everything 
about my men. 

By Mr. Dawbs: 

Question. Do you know their views about this question of secession? 
Answer. I do about most of them ; but I intend to inform myself 
in regard to them. I do not think there is a secessionist among these 
j new men. 

By Mr. Cochrane: 

Question. With reference to what qualities did you select your men? 

Answer. They are sober men, many of them mechanics about town 
that I knew, industrious men, men who deported themselves well, 
men of proper age — about middle age — that is, those who were ap- 
pointed upon my own knowledge ; there was one here appointed at 
the request of a senator ; he is a man about 40 years of age. 

Question. Did you know the persons when you appointed them? 

Answer. I do now. 



22 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Did you then ? 

Answer. Iso, sir. 

Question. How many did you know then? 

Answer. I think all but two or three men. 

Question. And all you knew personally were men of reputable 
standing and reliable character? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And so far as present difficulties were concerned, in ref- 
erence to which they were appointed, they were loyal? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I believe they are pertectly loyal. I commenced 
catechising them individually yesterday. 

Question. In reference to those whom you did not know personally, 
what recommendations did you receive? 

Answer. I just took what we all have to take here — I considered 
the recommendations of members of Congress as sufficient. 

Question. You relied on that? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; hut I did not want to appoint any man whom I 
did not know. 

Question. In reference to their opinions and inclinations, did you 
take any other course to discover them than by application to the men 
themselves? 

Answer. I talked to the men themselves. I know they are men who 
will not deceive me. I told them that if they found out that any of 
them were unfriendly to the government to let me know it. 

Question. Then you did take another course than applications to 
the men themselves ? 

Answer. Certainly; hut I interrogated the men themselves. 

Question. From the inquiries that you have made, have you any 
suspicion of their loyalty ? 

Answer. Not a single individual, or of the whole of them, either 
old or young. I intend to interrogate the whole of them. 

By Mr. Eeynolds : 

Question. How many of these men did you appoint on recommenda- 
tion of members of Congress? 

Answer. If I had the list here I could tell exactly. I do not suppose 
I have appointed more than three or lour persons upon recommenda- 
tions of memhers of Congress; I asked the Speaker and the Vice-Presi- 
dent to designate one each, and they did so and I appointed them. 

Question. How many did you appoint upon the recommendations of 
members of Congress? 

Answer. I think three or four. 

Question. And nine of them you appointed from your own knowl- 
edge ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Are all that you appointed residents of this city? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; with the exception of two. 

Question. What is the peculiar knowledge of members of Congress, 
who do not live here themselves, as to these men ? 

Answer. Well , they seem to take a peculiar interest in such matters. 
I cannot tell what peculiar knowledge they have. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 23 

Question. What members of Congress were they upon whose recom- 
mendations you made these appointments? 

[Mr. Branch objected to the question.] 

The Witness. I have not made any appointment upon recommenda- 
tions of members of Congress south of the Potomac river. 

The Chairman. I suppose the question is proper in this point of 
view, at least; the object is to find out what the real character of the 
men is, or any particular man is, and if any one was appointed upon 
tne recommendation of a particular person, it may be followed up by 
inquiring of that person what his me.insof knowledge are. As a mat- 
ter of inquiry I think it is competent. In any other point of view 
it might be objected to as irrelevant. 

The Witness. I have no objection myself, but I do not kuow how 
those gentlemen would like it, though I do not suppose they would 
object. It is merely out of delicacy that I object to mentioning 
names. However, they cannot object to it if the committee require an 
answer. Senator Thompson, of New Jersey, was one who spoke to 
me about Mr. Foster; and Mr. Kunkel, of Maryland, spoke to me. 
And then one was appointed upon the suggestion of the Speaker and 
one by the Vice-President, and now, I come to think of it, I believe 
that makes up the whole of them — only four in all. 

By Mr. Reynolds : 
Question. How many did you appoint upon the recommendation of 
Mr. Thompson? 
Answer. But one. 

Question. How many upon the recommendation of Mr. Kunkel? 
Answer. Only one. 

Question. Then you appointed but two in that way ? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

By the CHAiRiMAN : 

Question. Will you state whether Policeman Wilson has been sta- 
tioned in the day time on the dome or cupola ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; to look after fires. The captain of the police, 
Captain Dunnington, told me, as I was talking to him upon this sub- 
ject, and inquiring what disposition he proposed to make of the police, 
that Mr. Wilson had not yet reported himself, but that when he 
should, he would put him up in the cupola, or top of the cnpola, where 
they are using more or less fire every day. He always had a watchman 
to go up there at night to see the fires put out. And he said that 
when Mr. Kunkel's man reported himself he would put him up there. 

Question. Put two of them up there? 

Answer. Yes, sir; that is, to alternate — to relieve each other. And 
he told me, after Wilson had reported himself, that he was a very nice 
man, and that be liked him very much. He put him on duty up 
there because he was the last man that reported himself, and the other 
men had all been disposed of. 

Question. The other men were all occupied somewhere else? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I will take occasion to speak of Captain Dun- 
nington in this connexion. I have the most unbounded confidence 



24 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

in Captain Dnnnington ; I believe him to be as honorable anil pure a 
man as lives. My intercourse with him has impressed me with the 
most exalted estimate of his character. I have talked very freely 
with him — very freely upon this subject. He believes in the legal 
right of the State to secede. But he does not approve the course of 
South Carolina and the other States in seceding. But he has told me 
repeatedly, that whenever he found that he could not discharge his 
duty faithfully, to preserve order in the Capitol and protect the public 
property, he would resign his position ; that if Virginia should leave 
the Union he should go home with his family. He has a farm and 
some negroes in Virginia, and he would cast his destiny with that of 
his State. That is his feeling upon the subject. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Did he intimate at what particular stage of the proceed- 
ings he would resign ? 

Answer. No, sir ; he never stated to me. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Have you any reason to think that Captain Dunnington 
placed the policeman, Mr. Wilson, who was appointed on the recom- 
mendation of Mr. Pennington, in that place in order that there might 
be an opportunity to put gunpowder under the Capitol without his 
knowing it. 

Answer. No, sir. My own impression is that he put him there, as 
he stated to me, because he was the last one who reported himself. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Have you any idea that anybody contemplating putting 
powder under the capitol would inform you of the arrangements made 
in order to do it successfully? 

Answer. I should think that such information would be a direct 
imputation upon my loyalty to the government. 

Question. Did this captain assure you that he would resign before 
this thing got so far as to be beyond any control ? 

Answer. He said he did not know whether Virginia would go out 
of the Union or not. But he said that if she did go out, he should go 
with her. He has talked with a number of gentlemen of the House 
on the republican side. 

Question. How many of the police of the Capitol have you reason to 
suppose entertain sentiments similar to those of the captain? 

Answer. I do not know another one who does. 

Question. Do you know whether any of them entertain opinions 
contrary to those expressed by the captain ? 

Answer. Yes, sir; I know that they all go for the Union — all those 
that I have spoken to, and I believe all of them do. 

Question. Are there any of them that you know besides the captain 
that believes in the right of secession? 

Answer. I do not think there is one of them that believes in it. 

Question. Was there any one in charge of this cupola before this 
Wilson reported himself? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 25 

Answer. No, sir ; we could not spare one for that purpose, but the 
men on duty were directed to go up there frequently during the day 
to see that there was no danger from fire. 

Question. Was there any reason to apprehend any assault upon 
the Capitol at that point? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; very great apprehensions of the worst kind. 
There is great clanger from fire up there. They are working with 
iron up there, and use coal fire pretty much all the time. 

By Mr. Reynolds : 

Question. It is all iron there, is it not? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; but the coals may blow out down upon the part 
that will burn. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Do you not think the cupola is the most dangerous place 
about the Capitol ? 

Answer. I should think it was. I should not like to be in it myself 
in the event of an attack upon the Capitol with big guns. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Is there any arrangement made for increasing the police 
at the time of counting the votes for President and Vice-President? 

Answer. No, sir ; I never had the police force increased temporarily 
before. Heretofore the practice has been for Captain Dunnington, 
just at the inauguration, to select a number of men for duty on that 
day. 

Question. There has been no conference between you and the pre- 
siding officers of Congress in reference to the occasion of counting the 
votes ? 

Answer. No, sir ; Captain Dunnington and myself have talked 
about the subject. We intend to have the whole force on duty at one 
time. 

Question. There has been no conference between you and either of 
the presiding officers in regard to increasing the forces, or making 
any particular arrangements for preserving the peace on that occa- 
sion ? 

Answer. No, sir ; the Speaker said to me on one occasion that we 
all should be on duty on the day the votes were counted. 

Question. That is the force you already have ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Captain Dunnington and all? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. You will pardon the question. You are loyal, are you? 

Answer. I am. 

Question. A friend of the Union ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You do not believe in the right of secession ? 

Answer. No, sir. 



26 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. And are a strong believer in the wrong of secession ? 

Answer. I suppose that would necessarily follow. 

Question. You have the command of the police? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You believe they will all obey you ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And four of them were appointed upon the recommenda- 
tions of the Speaker and Vice-President, and two loyal members of' 
Congress? 

Answer. I suppose they are : you know them better than I do. 

Question. You attend at the President's on the occasions of recep- 
tions there, do you not? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You are also captain of this Capitol police? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I am at the head of the police. 

Question. So that there are, perhaps, few men in Washington who 
associate as much with the high and mingle as much with the low as 
you do, and who are in all the intermediate circles of society. Now, 
have you any reason to believe that there is, on the part of any per- 
sons in this District, or out of it, any design to make an attack upon 
this city between now and the 4th of March, or on the 4th of March ? 

Answer. I thirik I answered that question fully at the commencement 
of this examination. I have not the slightest apprehension of any- 
thing of the kind happening. I have talked with government of- 
ficers upon the subject, with the President and others, and have 
expressed my opinion fully. They have never stated to me anything 
that was calculated to change my opinion in regard to it. I 
thought that inasmuch as such rumors were in circulation, it was 
well enough to have the troops here I think that such a thing 
could not be in contemplation without my hearing something of it 
in some tangible shape. I have received no such intimation from 
high or low. 

Question. Do you not think that the most of this uneasiness and this 
apprehension grew out of the monstrous falsehoods written from this 
city to northern newspapers for correspondence ? 

Answer. I do not know exactly how to answer that question. 

Question. It is strong language, I know ; and I do not ask you to 
adopt my language. 

Answer. My impression is that there are a great many idle people 
here ahout Washington, who have no particular pursuit, and who 
hunt up all manner of stories and circulate them, give them to the 
gentlemen of the press who are here, and they are not over-particular 
in inquiring into the facts, but use them as they receive them. I do 
not charge them with originating these stories. 

By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. You spoke about information concerning arms being in 
the house adjoining Lum Cooper's ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you made any further inquiries about them? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have not. It was only yesterday that I was 
told about it. 






IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 27 

Question. Do you not think it would be worth while to inquire into 
that, and see whether it be so or not? 

Answer. I could inquire. I do not know how far my authority 
would extend in making any particular investigation outside of the 
public grounds ; but I would suggest to you, gentlemen, that you 
better summon Captain John H. Goddard, the chief of the city police; 
he is all about the city, and ought_to know what was going on in the 
city. 

JOHN B. BLAKE. 



No. 7. 

Wednesday, January 30, 1861. 
George K. Wilson sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Are you one of the Capitol police? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; one of the extra police appointed a few days 
ago. 

Question. When did you enter upon the discharge of your duties ? 

Answer. Last Wednesday. 

Question. A week ago to-day ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What particular duty was assigned to you? 

Answer. Well, sir, Captain Dunnington assigned to me the duty 
in the dome. He said that the other watches were full. He asked 
me if I had any objection to going there, telling me at the same time 
that I would have no night duty to perform and none on Sundays. 
It suited me very well, and I was very glad to accept it. 

Question. By whom were you appointed? 

Answer. My orders came from Commissioner Blake. I was appointed 
through Mr. Pennington, the Speaker of the House. 

By Mr. Branch : 
Question. On his recommendation, I suppose? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

1 By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you know anything of your own knowledge of the 
er'stence of any secret organization here to seize the Capitol, or any- 
thing of that kind? 

Answer. No, sir; I do not, and I have made some inquiries. And 
I think if there was such an organization in this city to any extent 
that 1 have the means of knowing it. 

Question. You know of no such thing? 

Answer. No, sir : I do not. 

Question. Have you seen anything about the Capitol since you 
have been here as policeman that leads you to think that it was un- 
safe? 



28 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. No, sir ; I have not. I know of but few of the police, 
some two or three of them. But they have all expressed themselves 
properly. 

Question. You have seen nothing that looked like an attempt on 
the part of anybody to make any assault upon the Capitol ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you heard anything? 

Answer. No, sir ; Mr. Blake told me yesterday that if I heard of 
anything that would lead to suspicion to let him know it at once, 
which I would certainly do. I wish to say that Commissioner Blake 
told me yesterday that if my place was disagreeable to me to say so, 
and he would give me any station about the Capitol. And the reason 
I desired to come before you was so that it should not be understood 
that I was the cause of Commissioner Blake coming before the com- 
mittee. I never made any objection to the position assigned to me, 
because it suited me very well. 

Question. What duties do you have to perform up there? 

Answer. To see that there is no fire left there at night ; to stay 
there at dinner time and see that nothing is taken away, and see that 
no suspicious person goes up on the dome. 

Question. To see that the property there is taken care of? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; there are two of us over there. One is up on 
the cupola all the time, ami the other is in the rotunda, or anywhere 
he is sent. 

Question. Who is the other one? 

Answer. His name is Donaldson. He is a stranger to me ; I do 
not know him. 

Question. When do you go on duty? 

Answer. At 7 o'clock in the morning. 

Question. When do you come down? 

Answer. After sundown, when all the workmen have left. 

Question. We did not subpoena Dr. Blake here because we knew 
anything against you. 

Answer. He said it was intimated that I was put up there against 
my wishes. And it was supposed that some persons perhaps would 
bring powder into the Capitol when I was on duty up there, and 
would not see them. 

By Mr. Branch: 

Question. Have you heard anything that would raise a suspicion 
in your mind that there is any design or plot on the part of anybody 
to blow up the Capitol ? 

Answer. There was a general rumor about town that the Capitol 
was to be blown up, and all the black republicans hung up, and so 
on. Indeed, I was notified the other day, but I paid no attention 
to it. 

Question, Can you mention any one person who told you such a 
thing was likely to he done? 

Answer. Well, sir, it was the general rumor that the Capitol would 
not stand. I suppose I could name persons, but they were of very 
little importance. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 29 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Drunken rowdies, I suppose? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Any person of any responsibility? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Do you know of any fact? 

Answer. No, sir ; nothing more than this military organization 
here in the city, who have meetings occasionally. I do not know 
what they are, but they are supposed to be hostile to the government. 

Question. Have you any facts to lead you to suppose that such is 
the case? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have not. 

Question. From your acquaintance with the rest of the Capitol 
police, do you think any of them would be likely to allow powder to 
be put under the Capitol, and not report it? 

Answer. No, sir ; I think not. I know but two or three of them. 
They are all sworn, and I think they would be false to their oaths if 
they did that. All that I know are strictly the reverse. 

Question. They would not permit it? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. You would feel that the republicans were just as safe in 
the Capitol with you on the dome as if you were in the basement? 

Answer. I think so. I was afraid that Commissioner Blake and 
Captain Dunnington would be under the impression that I circulated 
this report myself. I never saw Commissioner Blake in my life before 
yesterday. I was perfectly ignorant of any such thing. 

GEO. R. WILSON. 



No. 8. 

Wednesday, January 30, 1861. 
John M. Tormey sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Where do you reside ? 

Answer. In the city of Baltimore, Maryland. 

Question. Are you an old resident there ? 

Answer. I have been residing there permanently since 1855. I am 
a native of Frederick county, Maryland. 

Question. Are you pretty generally acquainted in Baltimore ? 

Answer. I believe 1 am. 

Question. Are you the clerk of one of the courts there ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; that is to say, I am court clerk — chief clerk of 
the circuit court of Baltimore city. 

Question. Are you connected with any military organization there? 

Answer. I am not, sir. 



30 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Do you know, of your own knowledge, whether any 
organization exists in this city that lias for its object any attack upon 
the Capitol or public property here, in any contingency that may 
arise? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. You have no knowledge upon the subject? 

Answer. None whatever. 

Question. Have you ever heard rumors to that effect? 

Answer. I have heard rumors, but I have no personal knowledge. 

Question. Have you ever heard any person say that they knew 
that there was such an organization? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you ever heard anybody speak of it otherwise than 
as a mere rumor? 

Answer. I have heard persons speak of it simply as a matt?r of jest 
and pleasantry, jocularly in conversation. 

Question. You never heard anybody say there was such an organi- 
zation, who spoke of it as a matter of knowledge on his part ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Did you ever hear any one person assert that any other 
particular person belonged to such an organization ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you ever heard individuals, without any reference 
to such an organization, say that anything of that kind was in con- 
templation? 

Answer. No. sir ; I have heard individuals in a jocular manner say 
that they could raise a body of men to come over to Washington to 
seize the Capitol, but it was a mere matter of pleasantry. I, myself, 
when the forts were seized at Charleston, remarked in a jocular man- 
ner, ••.Suppose wc go down and seize Fort McHenry." 

Question. Without any intention of doing it of course? 

Answer. Not at all ; mere pleasantry. I know of no secret organ- 
ization there at all for the purpose of attacking the federal govern- 
ment. 

Question. Do you know of any individuals who have threatened to 
do it, not by means of a secret organization, but in any way? 

Answer. I have heard persons, whose names I do not now remem- 
ber, say in a moment of excitement that the Capitol ought to be 
taken. 

Question. You have heard them say that apparently seriously ? 

Answer. Well, no, sir ; I cannot say that they were serious iu what 
they said. 

Question. Have you heard much talk that on the contingency hap- 
pening that Virginia and Maryland should see fit to withdraw from 
the confederacy, or secede, as the phrase is, some such thing should be 
done? 

Answer. My knowledge is derived merely from my being in the 
office ; members of the bar come in there, and I hear them say that if 
Virginia secedes, of course Maryland will also : that the action of the 
State will depend entirely upon the course Virginia may take. 

Question. But you never heard any man of respectability or of any 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 31 

standing or force in the community, speak of doing this thing in an 
unlawful way or by means of a secret organization ? 

Answer. So far as my recollection goes, I do not now remember any ; 
it is of such daily occurrence in the office for parties to speak about 
the crisis, that 1 never pretend to bear in my mind all that is said. 
I believe this, that if an armed body of military from the north un- 
dertakes to pass through Maryland, the citizens in a body will under- 
take to prevent their passage, that is to say, if they undertake to come 
on to see the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. I have heard a great many 
persons, whose names I do not now remember, publicly advocate that. 

Question. Do you mean to say that there is any well-settled purpose 
to prevent people coming on here to see Mr. Lincoln inaugurated? 

Answer. No, sir ; there is nothing of that kind ; it is merely a sen- 
timent—the unanimous feeling, or, I caunot say unanimous, but the 
sentiment of a large body of the people. 

Question. That they will not let people come on here to see the in- 
auguration of Mr. Lincoln? 

Answer. That is to come through armed ; if they undertake to do 
that, I firmly believe there will be some collision ; but there is no or- 
ganization that I am aware of to prevent their passage. 

Question. Has it not been customary for a great many years for 
military companies to pass through Maryland to attend an inaugura- 
tion? 

Answer. I believe so. 

Question. What is it so peculiar about this? 

Answer. I suppose the extraordinary character of the times. 

Question. More excitement now? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; so iar as my own individual opinions are con- 
cerned, I do not know that it is proper for me to state them. 

Mr. Branch thought it was not worth while to go into that matter. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. I asked a question to lead to some explanation of the re- 
mark you made ; 1 asked if it had not been usual for military compa- 
nies to pass through your State to attend the inauguration of Presi- 
dents heretofore, and you said it had, and then I asked what there was 
peculiar about this. 

Answer. And I answered the question, and I intended to go on 
and explain. 

Question. Any explanation of your answer you can make. 

Answer. As we are all aware, the south is somewhat aggrieved at 
the present time ; I believe firmly, honestly, that this matter could 
be reconciled and peaceably settled by compromises from the north. 
If they are made, Maryland will be found true and- loyal to the Union. 
1 am a Union loving man, and voted for the regular democratic nom- 
inee, Stephen A. Douglas. But if these concessions are not made, 
and that, too, shortly, Maryland will unfortunately be thrown with 
her sister southern States. I deprecate anything of the kind, but it 
now rests solely and simply with the north to give the south her con- 
stitutional rights. 

Mr. Reynolds. I do not think it is worth while to take this all down. 



32 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGAN IZATIOH 

We hear enough of this every day in the House. We can make no 
compromise here. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Have you any knowledge of the existence of an organi- 
zation called the Knights of the Golden Cross, or the Golden Circle, 
the '• K. G. C," or something of the kind? 

Answer. I have not. of late years. 

Question. You have no personal knowledge of them? 

Answer. I never knew of such an organization. 

Question. You do not know where it exists, if it exists at all ? 

Answer. No, sir. I am afraid that information has been given to 
the committee by a certain class of citizens in Baltimore who under- 
take to sustain Governor Hicks. The people in my State emphati- 
callv condemn him. I am pretty confident that if there was such an 
organization I would have heard of it. 

Question. You perhaps misunderstood me. I do not know that I 
ever heard distinctly that any such organisation existed in Maryland. 
I do not know anything about it. The newspapers have represented, 
for two or three years, that there was such an organization existing 
in some of the States. 

Answer. No. sir ; I know of no such organization. 

Question. You never had any knowledge that it did really exist 
anywhere? 

Answer. No, sir ; I never knew of it. I have heard rumors in 
Baltimore in reierence to some organization here. That is to say. I 
have seen newspaper reports and heard persons who have seen the 
papers speak of it. But from personal knowledge I know nothing. 

Question. Do you think that the state of feeling is such there in 
Maryland that it would lead to an outbreak if a military organization 
should see tit to pass through from the north, if there is no prospect 
or intention of any collision here ; if they were coming on merely to 
the pageant? Suppose those military companies from the north, or 
any considerable number of them, should attempt to pass through, 
lor the purpose of attending the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln, when 
everything was quiet and peaceable here, and likely to be — merely 
coming here to make a display, as they have in years gone by, not to 
tight anybody — ao you think the people of Maryland would have any 
objection? 

Answer. I am not able to answer that question at present. It 
would depend entirely upon the minds of the people. It there should 
happen to be any excitement, no doubt they would prevent their pas- 
sage. There might probably be two parties, one in favor of their 
ling through and one opposed to it. They might possibly pass 
through the city ot' Baltimore, but I doubt extremely if they could 
pass through the counties ; for, so far as my knowledge extends, the 
counties are almost a unit. That is my opinion derived from infor- 
mation from promineut men from different sections of the State. 

JOHN M. TORMEY. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 33 



No. 9. 

Wednesday, January 30, 1861. 
James Hicks sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Where do you reside? 

Answer. In Colesville, Montgomery county, Maryland. 

Question. How far is that from here? 

Answer. Fifteen miles hy the mail route. My post office is under- 
stood to he fifteen miles from Washington. 

Question. Are you pretty well acquainted in this city? 

Answer. I know several families here. 

Question. This Colesville you speak of is a mere country seat, I 
suppose ? 

Answer. It is the district seat — the precinct of the district. 

Question. Who is the representative in Congress from that district ? 

Answer. Colonel Hughes. 

Question. Have you ever heard anything with regard to an organi- 
zation here, either secret or otherwise, that had tor its object the 
taking of this Capitol, or any of the public buildings here? 

Answer. I have not ; no, sir. 

Question. Never heard of any such thing ? 

Answer. I have heard it merely rumored that there was such a 
thing. I have seen the statement in print, I believe. 

Question. Have you any knowledge that such an organization does 
exist? 

Answer. None in the world. 

Question. Have you any belief chat one does exist? 

Answer. No, sir ; I cannot say that I believe any such thing ? 

Question. You never believed any of these rumors? 

Answer. I cannot say that I have. 

Question. Are you a prominent member of a military company ? 

Answer. I am a lieutenant of one. 

Question. In the place where you live? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. The regular Maryland militia? 

Answer. No, sir ; a volunteer company that we are just getting 
up. We have no arms as yet ; we have applied for them. 

Question But have not yet received them ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Do you know whether any application has been made to 
any officer ot that company by any person or persons to employ that 
company to either take, or to hold after it should be taken, the city 
of Washington ? 

Answer. I can be pusitive on that question. There has been no 
such thing asked. 

Question. In no shape? 

Answer. No, sir. Our company is gotten up merely as a home 
guard ; and we want to ask the governor to allow us to stay 

H. Kep. Com. 79 3 



34 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

home, if such a thing can he done. There are several of us that are 
exempt under the militia act, and if they undertook to torce us from 
h( me. we could very easily rtmain at home it' we chose. 

Question. It was gotten up with no sort of reference to any duty in 
this city, by way of .-eizing any of the United States property here, 
the Caj it' 1. arsenal, or any oi the department buildings, or holding 
tlu-m against the United States after they should have - ized? 

Answer. With no reference to that; we are opposed entirely to 

coming to Washington at any time. Our ideas were that if it should 

me necessary, we weiild go with the south ; that if a war should 

break out between the two portions of our nation, the north and the 

south, we should certainly side with the south. 

Question. As between the two republics, you would prefer the south ? 
swer. Yes, sir ; decidedly. 

Question. You say that no proposition was ever made to any officer 
of that company to take by force any United States property here or 
elsewhere? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Nor to enter into any service unless there should be a 
state of war ? 

Answer. No, sir. I think very few persons know anything of our 
company except ourselves. 'YVe have written to Governor Hicks, and 
also to our lieutenant colonel, tor arms. I suppose they are the 
only persons out of our neighborhevd who know it, unless they have 
told it to some one. 

stion. You are a linded proprietor there? 

Answer. Yes. sir. 

Question. And you have a substantial interest to defend ? 

Answer. Yes. sir ; we want to stay at home. I am postmaster 
there, and they cannot take me away unless they abedish my office. 
I think 1 will stay at home any way. If such a thing is necessary. 
we will defend our rights. It you could see our constitution you 
would see at once what our object is. It is in favor of the Crittenden 
compromise. One ol them was sent to our office, and we incorporated 
it in our constitution. 

Question. Are you acquainted with any member of a company in 
this city called the " National Yolunteers ? " 

Answer. I cannot say that I ever heard of the company at all. 

Question. And if there is such a company, you do not know that 
you know any of them? 

Answer. No, sir. I have heard of a company gotten up here by a 
Mr. Carrington. 

Question. There are two or three military companies here, and he 
is at the head of one of them, I think. Do you know personally 
i nor Lowe, ol Maryland? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. You never saw him ? 

A.1 s* r. I saw him once, I think, at an agricultural fair. 

Question. So far as you know, no otc ur company ever had 

any communication, verbal or writteu. from him on the subject I have 
mentioned ? 



IN TOE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 35 

Answer. Not that I know of; and I think if it had been the case 
I should certainly have known of it. 

Question. When did you first start about organizing this company? 

Answer. Probably four weeks ago. It was gotten up in what we 
call short order. 

Question. And what you consider mainly for home protection ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; that was what we wanted. We determined to 
defend our rights if necessary. 

Question. It had no sort of reference to any operations in this city, 
either present or prospective, on any contingency that might occur? 

Answer. It was put to vote if we should come to Washington to 
parade on the 4th of March, and it was voted down. They seemed 
to think that there might be some disturbance down here, and we did 
not want to be in the midst of it 

Question. And you did not want to be the means of creating one 
either? 

Answer. No, sir ; we wanted to be at home. 

Question. Are you an old resident there? 

Answer. I have been living there for six years. 

Question Who are the officers of this company ? 

Answer. Mr. Berry is the captain. 

Question. You are the lieutenant, you say? 

Answer. I am the third lieutenant. 

Question. Can you give us a list of the officers in their order? 

Answer Mr. Berry is the captain ; first lieutenant, Thomas Nolan; 
second lieutenant, Oliver Clark; third lieutenant, myself; orderly 
sergeant, Mr. Graves ; ensign, John Bean ; pioneer, James Flynn ; 
sergeant, Josiah Harding ; and there are eight corporals mixed up in 
the company somewhere ; I cannot tell who they are. 

Question. These are all prominent and respectable citizens? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; they are all freeholders. 

Question. Citizens of your neighborhood? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Your company, you say, is organized under some law of 
Maryland ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; under the regular militia act. 

Question. It is a volunteer company? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Such a one as is authorized by this law? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question You say your company is organized with reference to 
home protection ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. I suppose you in your neighborhood, near the border, 
are very liable to inroads from the non-slaveholding States ? 

Answer. We expected such. By the way, we have suffered a great 
deal from it. 

Question. They very often come over and attempt to steal your 
negroes and induce them to run away ? 



38 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANrZATI OH 

Answer. I cannot say they attempt to steal them ; but they very 

: run away. at,d we do not get them. 
Question. The people in your neighborhood have very .:ten heard 
the invasion ot John Brown? 

swer. Yee, sir ; and we were v - y it was not in our State. 

- ■-',. And your company was organized to protect yourselve- 
from inroads from the north or anywhere else? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Dav - 

si n. Wbat inroads did you anticipate ? 
Answer. Well, sir, we expected nothing more than if such a thing 
as coercion of the south was decided upon, and a war arises between 
the north and south. Maryland would be the battle ground 

Question. And you were making arrangements to be prepared for 
such a thin;: ? 
AnBwer. Y- 8, sir. 

a. And those were the rights yon were to defend, which yon 
alluded • 

Answer. Yes. sir. 

Question. Row far are you from the border free States 

swer. We are about eight miles from the District line. 
Question. How- far are jou from the Pennsylvania line? 
Answer. I do not know : I have no idea. 

n . You have no idea how far you are from the free States ? 
• •• r N . sir. 

-' n. Since you have been living there has there been any in- 
cursion from the free Sta:. - 

3wer. We attribute it to the States; we do not know who 

did it : our slaves have run away and we have not got them. We do 
<now where it came from. 

r what made them run away ? 
A n swer. We supposed it was to get their liberty ; that they wanted 
to be rree. 

Question. You have suffered from nothing else? 
Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Esce; your slaves have run away and you could 

not get them ? 

Answer. That is all. 

- n. Have yon ever heard from them? 

Answer. We have heard that they were in Canada. We do not 
know how tl a ' ere. except by the underground railroad. 

■V ls your company organized for any other purpose than 
that you supposed that in - - —ion Maryland and Washington 
tie ground? 
Ai Bwer. We supposed so. 

a organize for any other puri - 
Answer. T I - ourselves only. 

it emergency ? 
A- swer Y -. sir : nothing els 
Question. C .< your company now cons:- 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 37 

Answer. We have now forty-eight members. 

Question. Do you have meetings? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Where are they held ? 

Answer. This evening it will be held at my house, in Colesville. 

Question. Where have they been held before? 

Answer. They are held there generally. They have been held at 
different times at Mr. Graves's, and sometimes at the Cross Roa Is. 

Question. How often do you meet? 

Answer. Once a week now ; I think we shall meet oftener here- 
after. 

Question. For what purpose do you meet? 

Answer. We want to make ourselves as proficient as possible in 
drill ; we were all raw in that. 

Question. It is your purpose in case of secession to join the south ? 

Answer. If there is a war, we will go with the south ; that is our 
intention. 

Question. What is your business? 

Answer. I am in a little of everything; storekeeper, postmaster, 
hotel-keeper, farmer — almost anything you can start away from home. 

Question. How many slaves Ho you own? 

Answer. We have four in the family. 

Question Did you ever lose any ? 

Answer. No, sir, not that I recollect of; my grandmother has lost 
them frequently heretofore. 

Question. You never knew of anybody from the free States ever 
coming in there? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. You believe in the right of secession? 

Answer. Well, sir, I believe the south has a perfect right to do as 
they are doing, unless we can get the Crittenden compromise. We 
would all be very glad to get that. 

Question. On whose suggestion was this company got up? 

Answer. I think it originated with Dr. Berry himself, the captain. 

Question. What measures were taken to get it up? 

Answer. We put up notices at different points, requesting the citi- 
zens of the district to meet at a certain place, on a given day, for the 
purpose of forming a military association. 

Question. Did you pass any resolutions? 

Answer. We passed those resolutions of Mr. Crittenden's. 

Question. Any others ? 

Answer. No, sir ; merely the by-laws for the company. 

Question. Have you the by-laws here? 

Answer. I have not. I can send for a copy if you wish. They 
are merely regulations for the members. 

Question. Have you passed any resolutions touching political mat- 
ters ? 

Answer. No, sir. Our first resolution was one making ourselves 
liable to the call of Governor Hicks, of Maryland, under the militia 
act regulating volunteer companies. 



00 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

By Mi . Branch : 

Question. Is Governor Hicks a secessionist ? 

Answer. Well. sir. it is hard to tell what he is : it is hard to define 
his position. 

Question. Is he regarded in your neighborhood, and by the mem- 
bers of your company, as being a disnnionist ? 

Answer. No, sir. not at all ; just the other way. 

Question. At the time you put yourself under his command you 
knew he was a Union man ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; we preferred the Union, if we could get our 
rights under the Constitution. That is all that we ask for. 

Question. But if you cannot get them, and war comes, you are with 
your section ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You are armed and equipped for that purpose? 

Answer. We would like to get our arms as soon as possible : we 
have not got them yet. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You would follow Maryland wherever she went? 

Answer. Yes. sir : provided she did not go with the north. We 
could not follow Maryland there, because we would have to leave 
Maryland. We could not stay there, and it would be necessary tor 
us to go where we could live. 

By Mr. Dawk- : 

Question. What difficulty would you encounter in staying in Mary- 
land uuder those circnmstauces ? 

Answer. We expect an increase of slave property, and of course 
we could not hold it in a northern State. 

Question You said it Maryland went with the north, you would 
have to leave Maryland ; on what account? 

Mr. Branch said he objected to asking the witness his reasons for 
his political opinions. 

Mr. Dawks. You asked him if he would go with the south iu case 
ssion, and he said he would ; and I want to know why he would 
not go with the north if Maryland remained with the north. 

Mr. Branch. I did not ask the witness that question. I had un- 
derstood him t^ say that if Maryland or the south seceded, he would 
go with the south : and I only repeated the answer he had given in 
order to see it I had understood him correctly 

The Chairman. The witness has said that they expect an increase 
of slave property, and if Maryland went with the north he could not 
bold it. 

The Witxes- Yes, sir : that is what I said. 

The question was not pressed. 

By Mr. Dawe> : 
Question. Do you know of any other companies lately formed in 
Mar viand? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 39 

Answer. There are two at Rockville ; one under Richard J. Bowie, 
and one under William S. Bouic. 

Question. Infantry or cavalry ? 

Answer. One is infantry, Mr. Bouic's company ; the other is cav- 
alry, I believe. 

Question. How far is that from you ? 

Answer. Some eight miles. 

Question. How far is it from Washington ? 

Answer. Only twelve miles. 

Question. How large companies are they ? 

Answer. Full companies. 

Question. What constitutes a full company? 

Answer. Thirty-two infantry, besides the officers. 

Question. Do you know how lately they have been formed ? 

Answer. Since this southern question has been agitated. 

Question. Have they got their arms ? 

Answer. Mr. Bouic's company has. I do not know about the cav- 
alry. 

Question. Do you know whether they hold meetings for drill ? 

Answer. I do not know. 

Question. Do you know the purposes of their organization ? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Do you know whether they hold similar views of their 
duty with your company ? 

Answer. I suppose so ; they organized about the same time. 

Question. Do you know of any other company formed? 

Answer. There is one at Brookville. 

Question. How far is that from you? 

Answer. Seven miles ; and twenty-one from Washington. 

Question. Have they got their arms? 

Answer. They have. 

Question. When did they organize? 

Answer. They have organized within the past three months. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Did these companies get their arms from Governor Hicks? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Under the regular militia laws ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Do you know for what purpose they are organized ? 

Answer. Merely for show, I should suppose. They have a flashy 
uniform, and look as though they went in for something nice. 

Question. Do you kaow whether their ideas of duty are the same 
as yours? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Do you know who is their commander? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Are these all the companies you know of? 

Answer. All that are in our county. 



40 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Do yon know of any in any of the other ccunti - 

Answer. There is one in Prince George's county, under Captain 
Jen. 

Question. How far is that from here? 

Answer. About tour miles aud a half. 

Question. Do yon know oi any other companies in anv other part 
of the State? 

Answer. No 3 sir ; I have heard of others, hut I know nothiug of 
them. 

Question. In what parts of the State are those that you have 
heard of ? 

Answer. I have heard of a Planter's Guard in Marlborough, gotten 
up npon the same principles as ours. 

Question. How far is that from this city ? 

Answer Sixteen miles. 

Question. Do you know of any other companies formed? 

Answer. No, sir. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Qutstion. You say yon have heard of other companu- 

Answer. Yes. sir : this " Planter's Guard : " that is all. 

Question. Have you or not htard of large numbers of armed sol- 
diers being embodied in the north and offering their services in con- 
Lesion with these sectional troubli • 

Answer. I cannot say that I have. 

Question. Have you not read of that in the newspapers? 

Answer. I have read of this '• Planter's Guard " offering their ser- 
vices to South Carolina. 

Question. I mean in the north. 

An;-wer. If I have I do not now remember it. 

Question. Have you read in the newspapers of General Sanford, of 
New Y> :k. offering the services of 80,000 men in connexion with these 
sectional troubles? 

Answer. I do not remember that I have. 

JAMES HICKS, Jr. 



No. 10. 

Wednesday, January 30, 1861. 
John B. Clark sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 
Question. Ha*, at any time, any person or. persons communicated 
a any intentions that they had to seize the Capitol or any other 
public property here ? 
Answer. No. sir. 

Question. Has any person or pers - 'itiu^ themselv^ - I 

be a committee, or anything of the kind, ever communicated to you 
an intention to hold by force any public property here after it should 
have been seized ? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 41 

Answer. My answer to that would be, in the first place, " No ;" 
but I will connect with it an explanation. Gentlemen, whcse names 
I cannot now give, for the reason that I do not remember them, 
have conversed with me, in general speculative conversations, in 
reference to the question of secession, the effect of secession, and 
the rights that would accrue after secession to the States that had 
seceded; and, collaterally, the effect of that movement upon the Cap- 
itol and the public property in other States. 

Question. The effect of secession after it had taken place? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and then what would be the interests of the 
slave States — I might say their duty — in co-operating to maintain 
the jurisdiction they might assert. I have had conversations with 
gentlemen — I cannot now say with whom — but they have been fre- 
quent ; not in reference particularly to the Capitol, more than upon 
other public property, including forts and arsenals ; the same that 
we are discussing in the House I have had opinions expressed to 
me, and I have expressed opinions myself, without any reference to any 
particular species of property. 

Question. Where do you board here? 

Answer. At Brown's Hotel. 

Question. Will you state whether you were called upon receutly 
by Ex-Governor Lowe, of Maryland, and some other persons from 
Maryland, at your room in Brown's Hotel, who stated anything on 
this subject to you there ? 

Answer. A number of gentlemen from Maryland had a conversation 
with me. I am at fault in regard to their names ; I do not remember 
them. But they were introduced to me as some gentlemen of dis- 
tinction. I was not called upon ; it was rather a casual meeting. 
The call was one rather for acquaintance, I understood. It was at 
my room, and we talked of various subjects. The person you speak 
of as governor may have been there. It seems to me there was a 
person called governor there, or some one who bore that title. I can- 
not say that he was a citizen of Maryland ; but there were a number 
of citizens of Maryland there. I was introduced to all of them, but 
I cannot give the name of a single one of them now. They were 
all strangers to me. Mr. Stewart, member of Congress from Mary- 
land, introduced them to me We met accidentally at the head of 
the stairway as they were about passing down the stairs ; and as 
my room was right at the head of the stairs, after I was introduced to 
a number of them I invited them into my room. My mind recurs 
to that interview now as the only one I had with more than one 
person at a time from Maryland. 

Question. Did they represent themselves as being a committee here 
from Maryland ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not think they did. 
Question. How many were there of them altogether? 
Answer. I cannot tell ; there was a number of them. 
Question. A half a dozen of them? 

Answer. I think there were a half a dozen ; I cannot state posi- 
tively. 



42 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. You would think there were as many as a half a dozen, 
or more of them? 

Answer. I should think there were a half a dozen. 

Question. I mean from Maryland. 

Answer. My impression is now — and it is only an impression — that 
they were all from Maryland. I will not be positive about that, for 
I attached not much importance to the conversation ; it was more 
social than otherwise. 

Question. After they had entered your room, did they request you 
to lock your door, as having something secret to communicate ? 

Answer. No, sir ; nothing of the sort. 

Question. Nothing inconsistent with its being an accidental meet- 
ing ? 

Answer. Nothing in the world. 

Question. Accidental on their part as well as on yours? 

Answer. I presume it was ; I know nothing to the contrary ; I 
have given you the way we met. 

Question. Was anything said there as to any design or wish they 
had to take the citv of Washington, in case of the secession of Mary- 
land ? 

Answer. Well, I cannot tell. I did not understand that. We 
talked of what the effect of the secession of Maryland would be upon 
the District of Columbia. 

Question. The effect upon legal rights? 

Answer. What would be the legal consequences of secession, em- 
bracing the property of the District ; that was talked about in the 
course of the conversation. 

Question. Can you refresh your memory, so as to state whether this 
ex-governor was Governor Lowe or not? 

Answer. I cannot. I do not think I could give the name of a sin- 
gle gentleman there, except Mr. Stewart. 

Question. Was any thing said either about seizing or holding the 
public property here in Washington, in case of secession — holding it 
by force ? 

Answer. I cannot repeat what was said. 

Question. Go on to state it in your own language, if you please. 

Answer. The question of the disruption of the confederacy was the 
subject of the conversation — the propriety or impropriety of the se- 

9S ii movement. The legal right of secession was discussed. I 
may as well say, however, that there was a difference of opinion upon 
that sulject between some of the gentlemen present and myself. I 
cannot tell what was said, but the consitutional right of secession was 
discussed, and the probability of the federal government applying 
force upon the seceding States, in case of secession, was discussed, and 
opinions pro and con were expressed upon that subject. The effect of 
si in upon the District of Columbia, and the public property here, 
was discussed ; and, in the event of Maryland seceding, and the other 
border slave States seceding, the propriety of negotiating for this Dis- 
trict and the public property here, and the resisting any force to pre- 
vent that negotiation, were also discussed. I do not say they were 
discussed at length, but they were named in the conversation, without 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 43 

any form or ceremony ; but these points were referred to in the course 
of the conversation. And in that connexion the question was raised, 
or it was adverted to, as to what, in case Maryland seceded, and (the 
public property being in this District) the federal government should 
apply lorce upon the seceding States — what would be the effect upon 
the Capitol and the public property here, and what, in that contin- 
gency, would be the duty of the seceding States? That matter was 
discussed ; and I believe that includes all the topics of conversation 
that we had. It had no system, and I understood no particular pur- 
pose in il. I did not regard it as anything further than an effusion 
of the sentiment that was then rife through the city here. 

There were gentlemen from Maryland who seemed to enter largely 
into the consideration of these questions. I gave my opinion unre- 
servedly upon all of them. My opinions are no secret, and I can give 
them to the committee, if they desire it. I told these gentlemen that 
I did not believe that the constitutional right of secession existed. I 
told them that my opinion was, that while a State was in the Union 
she was bound to obey its laws ; that my policy was that all the slave 
States should co-operate together, to act together in any movement 
that was deemed indispensable for their equality and safety ; and I 
told them that when that was done, and it became necessary, in the 
judgment of the border States, to secede from the government, I would 
use my influence to make as large contributions to resist force, if it 
was applied, as my State could furnish. 

Question. As you did not believe in the constitutional right of se- 
cession, it would then become a question of revolution, acknowledged 
on all hands? 

Answer. That is all. My purpose was this : to inform those gen- 
tlemen that I was in favor of resisting force, and that I would make 
common cause, so far as I was concerned, whatever my opinions might 
be about the legal right of secession. If the southern States seceded 
in a body, or whether they did or not, I would not willingly permit 
force to be applied to a seceding State ; and I would use my influence 
in my State to resist it at all hazards. I am not quoting my remarks, 
but that was the purport of the conversation. 

Question. When they met you in the hall did they state that they 
wanted to see you particularly ? 

Answer. I cannot now repeat what was said. I regarded it merely 
as an honorable call. I met Judge Stewart — they were his friends, 
as I understood — and he introduced me to them, and remarked to them 
that I was a member of Congress from Missouri, and to me that they 
were from Maryland. Some remark was made about these being stir- 
ring times ; I do not know who made it ; and I asked the question 
what Maryland was going to do. I think I made that remark, be- 
cause I often ask the question. My room door was close at hand, and 
I invited them all into my room ; and they all came in there and spent 
a few minutes. I do not think they were in there more than twenty 
minutes, but I will not say exactly the time. Some gentlemen may 
have said that they wanted to see me ; perhaps they did ; but it they 
did, I regarded it as a mere compliment. I will state this to the com- 
mittee : No one of the gentlemen present, I am certain, intimated 



44 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

any disposition to attack the Capitol, or take it by force ; and the 
question of force and of contributions was only to resist an attack, in 
case of the secession of Maryland 

By Mr. Dawes: 

Question. An attack upon what? 

Answer. The conversation was about the effect the secession of Ma- 
ryland would have upon the public property within the bounds of the 
Hate of .Maryland. 

Question. Did it extend to contributing forces to aid Maryland in 
asserting her rights to the public property if the United States should 
claim and defend it? 

Answer. In case of secession, the right to the public property in 
Maryland and the other States. 

Question. In the District of Columbia, I mean. 

Answer. Presuming that in case of secession the District of Columbia 
would go back to Maryland. 

Question. In the event of Maryland seceding and asserting her 
right to the public property here, did the contributions of force you 
speak of contemplate aiding Maryland in asserting that right against 
the United States? 

Answer. Not particularly as to tbe Capitol. The Capitol was 
included with the other public property. I think some other public 
property was named. 

Question. Then you mean to say that it was contemplated there, 
and yiiii assured them that you would use your influence to furnish 
from Missouri her full share of force to aid Maryland, if the United 
States should resist her in asserting her rights to the public property 
within this District? 

Answer. No, sir ; that was not it. The question was about different 
States seceding. And it came up as to the relation of Maryland and 
the other border slave States to the free States, and about the public 
property. We discussed the question about the public property at 
Charleston — at least it was named ; I do not know that it was discussed. 
And the question came to this : in case Maryland seceded, there was 
so much of the public property within the bounds of Maryland the 
United States might be stimulated to apply force here at this point to 
force her back into the Union, or, as it was used, to force her to submit 
to the authority of the United States, as there was so much of the 
public property of the United States within her borders. And the 
question was whether in that contingency, in case Maryland seceded, 
she should expect to give up and submit. 

Question. Without any regard to the right ot secession, or to the 
United States agreeing to let her secede, did they request you, or did 
you assure them that you would use your influence in Missouri, to get 
Missouri to aid the State of Maryland in any attempt to take the public 
property here as against the United States? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. If the United States limited her attempt at force to the 
protection of her property in the District of Columbia, wasitcontem- 
platetl in that conversation to resist her in that? 



IJM THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 45 

Answer. There was no application made except to repel any force 
brought against Maryland in case she seceded, and the exercise of 
dominion by force over public property within her jurisdiction. 

Question. If the United States attempted to exercise jurisdiction 
over the public property that lies within the District of Columbia? 

Answer. No, sir ; the Capitol was expressly excluded ; I recollect 
that Judge Stewart remarked in that conversation — and I do not know 
that any other gentleman spoke — in answer to the question, where 
Congress should sit in case Maryland seceded — I think I asked that 
question — and it was remarked that, as a matter of course, if the 
federal government saw proper to occupy the Capitol, and would let 
tbe authorities of Maryland alone, there would be no collision. 

Question. That is the very point I wanted to get at, whether, if the 
United States contented herself with exercising jurisdiction over 
property within this District, it was contemplated to interfere? 

Answer. No, sir, not at all ; I will tell you why I think it was so. 
I remember a remark I made as they left the room. I addressed no 
one in particular, but I remarked : " Gentlemen, you must remember 
that while we form part of the United States we never will break the 
laws of the United States ; but while I say that, whenever the United 
States undertakes to subjugate a sister State who sees proper either to 
rebel or secede, why, make your draft upon Missouri, gentlemen, and 
your drait will be honored." That is all I said ; I recollect that now ; 
1 apprehend that was about the substance of what was said 

Question. What I wanted was just this: if any collision with the 
United States was contemplated if the United States persisted in hold- 
ing on to her jurisdiction over this District? 

Answer. I think it was right the reverse, unless force was used to 
subjugate a State. 

Question. Force outside of the District? 

Answer. Yes, sir. This was said too: if Maryland seceded, there 
was something said about negotiations for the Capitol. Judge 
Stewart remarked that he despised this snatch game of taking the 
public property ; that if they seceded, the right way was to pay for 
the property like houorable men. However, it was a desultory con- 
versation. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. No one of these gentlemen gave you to understand that 
they were a committee representing anybody? 

Answer No, sir. The word "committee" might have been used, 
but 1 do not now remember. Perhaps I might have used the word 
" committee/' but I do not remember now. But I did not under- 
stand that they were appointed by any public meeting, or by any 
legal authority. 

Question. The precise point in this : whether these gentlemen that 
met you there said or did anything that implied that they repre- 
sented anybody formally or informally, except merely themselves, or 
whether they were the representatives of any public meeting or 
organization in Maryland? 

Answer. Perhaps my answer ought to be that they did not. There 



46 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

was this remark made some how or other in the conversation: that 
there had been some public meeting somewhere in Maryland, and the 
oame of the place was alluded to, I think ; but I was not familiar 
with the name, and do not now remember it. I do not believe they 
were deputed to call especially upon any one. I am sure they were 
not deputed especially to call upon me. 

Something has been said about the door being locked. The door 
of my room was locked, and I will explain about that. My room is 
at the head of the stairs, and is small, and these gentlemen about 
rilled it. At that particular time the porters or servants about the 
hotel were delivering a lot of documents at my room, and while we 
were in conversation, they were rather troublesome in knocking at 
the door and coming in so much So I just got up and locked the 
door on that account. Nobody asked me to do it, and I did not lock 
it to keep anybody out of the room, except as stated 

Question. You locked it merely for your own convenience? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; that was all. I do not know that any gentleman 
present knew that it was locked. I do not remember whether I re- 
marked upon it or not. But there was no design in it at all. 

Question. You say you cannot recollect the names of any of these 
gentlemen ? 

Answer. I do not. I think one was introduced to me as governor ; 
but that is a mere impression. I am very sure that I never before 
saw any of the gentlemen except one, who told me that he had been 
introduced to me when I was in Baltimore last summer at the con- 
vention. I have forgotten his name now. 

Question. Did they state the object they had in view in coming to 
this city? 

Answer. No, sir ; but they stated this, or 1 learned it in course of 
the conversation : They were in the city to ascertain a9 well as they 
could, to use the expression of one of the gentlemen, "what the devil 
was going t i become of the country ;" that the whole world seemed 
to be in a flame, and they came here to learn what was going on. I 
cannot say how that came in, but I recollect it was said by s >tne of 
the gentlemen present. I think it was in answer to my question as 
to what Mar) land was going to do, and I think I got the answer in 
that way : that they had come here to see what was going on. 

Question. Was anything said there, or anything like it, about pre- 
venting, by 'nee, the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; something was said, in speaking of the organi- 
zation^ all iut the country, that they had heard that some such thing 
was meditated, and that movement was denounced. 

Question. Denounced them? 

Answer. Yes, sir, as not existing in the mind of anybody, unless it 
was some — 1 forget what term was used, some term peculiar to the 
rowdies of Baltimore — unless it was some rabble, and they did not 
know that even that was the case. 

Question. No one there expressed any approbation of such ascheme? 

Answer. No, sir; they all laughed at it; 1 laughed at it. I told 
them thai 1 bad heard so, too ; and I told them, I think, that the Presi- 
dent had prepared a message r' ..at it to send to Congress, or something 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 47 

like it. They all laughed at it as some old woman's story that had 
got afloat ; and all said that there was no such design, unless the 
State should secede in the meantime, and civil war should break out, 
and an attempt should be made to subjugate the State, and then 
nobody could tell what the result would be. I do not know positively 
that even that was said then, but it is very often said in conversation. 

Question. You had no knowledge that these gentlemen were going 
to call upon you before you met them ? 

Answer. No, sir ; not until I met them at the stairs. I met them 
all together; Judge Stewart was a little in advance. I had had a 
conversation at the dinner-table, half an hour before, with another 
gentleman, an acquaintance from Maryland. He remarked to me 
that there were a number of gentlemen from Maryland then in the city. 
I think his name is Johnson. He had been a delegate to the conven- 
tion at Charleston. We were talking about our troubles at Charles- 
ton and also at Baltimore. We had not met afterwards until we 
dined together then. We differed somewhat in our views and action 
at the convention, and we were recounting our differences and con- 
necting them with the result of things in the country. We were both 
remarking about the excited state of the country, and he said that 
there were then in this city a number of gentlemen from Maryland. 
I met them afterwards at the head of the stairs, and invited the whole 
of them into my room. I recollect that immediately after they left, 
I met a gentleman or two and told them what had been said. 

Question. Has any other person or persons, at any time, ever ex- 
pressed to you the idea that they were engaged in efforts to make any 
seizure of the Capitol? 

Answer. No, sir, not that they were so engaged. 

Question. Or that anybody was? 

Answer. Well, no. I met some ladies, and they asked me if I 
thought there would be any war — one or two old women, but no men ; 
and 1 was sent for last night, and asked if it was safe for women to 
stay here. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Now, to bring this thing right to the point as much as 
we can: Of course, you have read the rumors and reports in the 
papers that gave rise to this inquiry. Have you any knowledge of 
anything that would lead you to believe that there was any founda- 
tion in fact for these rumors? 

Answer. I do not believe there is a particle ; that is the extent of 
my judgment. 

Question. Do you know any fact that would go to establish the ex- 
istence of any sucli purpose, or design, or organization? 

Answer. I do not; and I do not believe any such thing. If you 
want my opinion, and I have expressed it on several occasions, 1 have 
told my friends that I did not believe there was any danger of col- 
lision here, unless there was some great display by the troops here 
pressing upon the masses that always come about on such occasions. 
I thought that the display of troops here, and the building of batteries 
and stabling for the horses, and making a great display, was all 



48 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

wrong; and with great respect for the President, I have thought all 
the time that he was committing a great error in this thing. That 
is what I have said, and that is my honest idea about it. 

Question. Has any one ever told you there was such a scheme ? 
Answer, I cannot say ; perhaps somebody has. 
Question. I do not refer to rumors Has any one told you that as 
though he had knowledge of it? 

Answer. I cannot now remember any one who spoke of it as having 
knowledge of it. I have heard it speculated upon on some occasions. 
I do not now remember the name of any one. There has been so 
much talk about this thing that I have paid very little attention to it. 
I have not attached much importance to it, and have not tried to 
treasure it up If I should hear some name, it might direct my 
attention to some conversation. 

Question. I understood you to say that you thought there were 
about a half a dozen of these gentlemen who were in your room ? 
Answer. I think so ; that is my impression. 

Question. Did this iriend that dined with you shortly before state 
to you what he understood to be their business here? 

Answer. No, sir. I cannot tell you now in what connexion exactly 
that he referred to them. It was in connexion with the general ex- 
citement of the country that he said there were a number of gentle- 
men here from Maryland. I think I asked whether Maryland would 
have an extra session of their legislature. How the conversation was 
continued, I do not now remember ; but it was in that connexion that 
he spoke of a number of gentlemen from Maryland then in the city. 
There was no purpose avowed which I now remember. I inquired 
about certain gentlemen in Maryland, none of whom were in that 
company. 

Question. Do you know whether these Maryland gentlemen called 
upon any other members of Congress, at that time, in connexion with 
this business? 

Answer. I do not know. I may have been in some other room, and 
seen some of these gentlemen there, but I do not now remember it. I 
do not know whether they did or not. 

Question. Do you know whether any or all of them had interviews 
with other members of Congress upon this subject of coercion? 
Answer. I do not know. 

Question. You do not know of your own knowledge? 
Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you ever heard it said that they did? 
Answer. No, sir, I have not. I will say this, that they had the 
appearance of just having left Judge Stewart's room; he was with 
them at the time. They were entire strangers to me. I never saw 
tli i i before or since to know them. They were introduced to me as 
men of distinction from Maryland. 

Qui stion. Did they make any statement then in your room touch- 
ing the amount and kind of assistance that they should get in case of 
trouble from sources outside of Maryland; that is, if that state of 
things should arise in which you said Missouri would honor their 
draft ? 



\ 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 49 

Answer. I do not now remember. 

Question. Did they state what their expectations were in getting 
help from other States than Maryland ? 

Answer. Well, sir, I understood that in case they seceded, and 
there was an attempt by the federal government to subjugate them, 
they would expect all the slave States to help them. I use the word 
" help" now; I do not know what word they used. The whole con- 
versation was hypothetical ; it was based upon the idea of force used 
upon them by the general government in case they seceded. And I 
will say here that most of the gentlemen appeared to be opposed to 
secession The whole of the conversation, my part of it also, was 
hypothetical, upon the supposition that when the State seceded, if the 
federal government undertook to subjugate them, or, indeed, any 
seceding State, the other slave States, whether they thought the State 
had done right or wrong, should not let that be done if they could 
furnish means to prevent it. That was what I said, and that was 
what I understood to be the idea ot all of them. I made the remark, 
I believe, that we of Missouri were opposed to the idea of the consti- 
tutional right of secession, and that we thought South Carolina had 
acted precipitately. And I illustrated my idea in this way : that if 
we had brothers, and we knew that they were going to be attacked, 
we would not let them be whipped, even if they were in the wrong ; 
and so with the south. 

Question. If I understood you aright, you do not think that they 
stated how much iorce they could rely upon outside of Maryland? 

Answer. I do not think they did. We might have assessed the 
States ; but I do not think we did that. It was a mere speculative 
conversation, and I do not rely upon recollecting it well at all. 

Question. Did they make any statement as to how much force they 
could raise in Maryland in case they were put to it? 

Answer. It may be that I asked the question, and I think there 
was some answer to it, but I do not now remember. I think I asked 
them this question : " If you do secede, and a fight comes on, what 
can you do yourselves?" 1 reckon I asked that question ; it would 
have been natural for me to have done so ; and if I did, I got an an- 
swer, but I do not now remember what it was. 

Question. Did they tell you in plain terms that they would wish 
aid from Missouri? Is that what prompted your remark that Missouri 
would honor their draft? 

Answer. I think that may have been a little forwardness in me, 
a sort of bragging upon the chivalry of my State. 

Question. Did they say anything about wishing aid from Missouri to 
capture the Capitol of the United States, or any other public property 
in the District of Columbia? 

Answer. No, sir. The word " Capitol" was used in the course of 
the conversation, and it came up in this way, if I recollect it aright 
now : It was, that if they seceded, and a civil war broke out, and force 
was attempted to be applied to subjugate the State, then, when that 
war commenced, the Capitol and everything else would be subject to 
the stronger power. I do not now remember how it came up But 
it was a mere speculative conversation about the result of a war. 
H. Rep. Com. 79 4 



50 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Then nothing was said by them expressive of a wish that 
Missouri should furnish any aid to take the Capitol until there should 
be war? 

Answer. I do not think there was any wish to take the Capitol 
at all. 

Question. And nothing expressive of a wish that Missouri should 
furnish aid for such a purpose? 

Answer. I am sure I did not make any proposition to contribute 
men to take the Capitol. There was a conversation between myself 
and Judge Stewart, which I regarded as merely playful. I said : 
"Judge, when you secede, what are you going to do with the Capitol ? 
Is it to be rented out, or who is to have it?" The judge said that if 
all the slave States should secede, and the northern States remained 
as the federal government, and were willing to occupy the Capitol 
within their jurisdiction, so lar as he was concerned they were wel- 
come to do it. And then we talked about the result of things in case 
offeree being applied to a seceding State. The whole thing rcoulved 
itself into this. I esteemed that whole interview, in the first place, 
as not a formal call upon me, but it was just as I have described it. 
The gentlemen there, including Judge Stewart, had for their pur- 
pose to deliberate in reference to the action of Maryland. They viewed 
the peculiar location and position of Maryland as more hazardous than 
that of any other State. That is all about it. And one of them gave 
that as a reason why she should be more deliberate and more circum- 
spect, because there was more dependent upon her action. All par- 
ties agreed that in case it became necessary, in the opinion of Mary- 
land, to secede, and the federal government undertook to subjugate 
her, she would resist to the bitter end, and in that event she would 
desire help, and wanted to know what assistance she could get from 
her sister States. That was the whole drift of the conversation ; and 
it was interlarded with the dangers attending the matter, so as to lead 
me to believe that these gentlemen were meditating upon the subject. 

Question. Did these gentlemen state that in case Maryland seceded 
she would claim jurisdiction of the District here, in any sense different 
from what she would of the Capitol, for instance, or any other piece 
of property of the United States here? 

Answer. It seemed to be accorded that in case Maryland seceded 
the District would revert to the jurisdiction of Maryland. I do not 
know who made the remark, but that seemed to be the acknowledged 
idea. 

Question. With more certainty than it would in regard to the 
Capitol, tor instance? 

Answer. That the jurisdiction of what had been ceded by Maryland 
would return to her. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Did they intimate that they would assert that jurisdiction 
over the District by force? 

Answer. Not unless there was an attempt to subjugate her. 

Question. If the United States attempted to exercise jurisdiction 
over the District? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 51 

Answer. I do not know that the Capitol was designated. 

Question. But they would assert by force, if necessary, the juris- 
diction that they would regain over the district? 

Answer. I do not know as that was spoken of at all. I know this : 
the question was named in the conversation, whether the District 
would retrocede back to Maryland ; and some opinion was expressed 
upon that subject. I do not think there was any specific conversation 
about asserting jurisdiction over the District any more than any other 
place in Maryland. 

Question. Did these gentlemen name any particular amount of aid 
that they expected to get from Virginia? 

Answer. I cannot say. Virginia was named, and, as I remarked, 
we might have assessed the different States, but I am not now im- 
pressed with any distinct recollection about it. I know Virginia was 
named in the course of conversation, but in what connexion I really 
now cannot tell. My idea was this: the reason I used the word 
"draft" was this: I had endeavored to present to these gentlemen 
the idea that I have never failed to try to present, when it was prudent 
for me to talk at all among gentlemen of character, that Missouri, 
while she was a border State and had a homogeneous interest with 
the other slave States, wanted this thing done right, and that if we 
had to be driven to the desperate alternative of withdrawal, we ought 
to co-operate and do the thing right ; and that, in my judgment, the 
slave States ought to have co-operated and consulted together, and if 
their grievances were too great to be borne, then we ought to have 
gone in a body. Yet, notwithstanding that my views had not been 
adopted, and some of the States had gone hastily and, as I thought, 
precipitately, still, as they were resenting wrongs that we all endured, 
I would not give my consent to have them subjugated, although they 
resented their wrongs at a wrong time and in a wrong manner. I 
said to them — " Now, gentlemen, that is our status — that is our posi- 
tion; if you secede and the United States undertakes to subjugate you, 
make your draft and we will respond." I reckon that is what 
I said. I always talk that way, and I think I did then. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you know whether these gentlemen called upon and 
had an interview with any of your colleagues? 

Answer. I do not remember now of hearing of it. I do not know 
any such thing. I do not know that I have ever heard it. I do not 
now remember anything about it. I am very sure I was not with 
any of my colleagues when they were present. 

Question. And you do not know that you ever heard of their doing 
so? 

Answer. No, sir ; and I will not be responsible for the entire 
accuracy of much that I have stated here, for I did not burden my 
mind very much with it, no more than I have with a hundred other 
things I have heard. 

Question. Have you ever had any interview with Dr. Garnett., of 
this city? lias he ever called upon you upon this subject? or, I 
might first ask, do you know Dr. Garnett? 



52 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION" 

Answer. I do know him slightly. 

Question. Has he over talked with yon upon this subject of seizing 
the Capitol, or of a secret organization? 

Answer. No, sir. 1 am not very sure whether Dr. Garnett called 
upon me more than once, and then to visit me professionally when £ 
was indisposed. Perhaps he called upon one other occasion. 

Question. H was it that these gentlemen from Mary- 

land were here ? 

Answer. Several weeks ago ; it was the same evening that I met 
Mr. Johnson, and I have met him but I think it was during 

Christm - ys. 

Do Ex- Governor Lowe, of Maryland? 

Answer. I do n I a he was one ot the gentlemen introduced 

to me on that occasion. I did not kuow him before, and I doubtless 
should not re a ■ ne of the company now if I were to meet any 

of them on the street. 

Question. Y collect whether they named the amount of 

force that Virginia wonld contribute? 

Answer. N . sir; I do not remember in what connexion Virginia 
- mentioned. I remember that the name ol Virginia was men- 
tioned : not how or in what connexion it was mentioned. 

JOHN B. CLARK. 



\" . 11. 

Thtksbay. January 31, 1? 
Winfiei' S <worn and examined. 

By Mr. Brasch: 

Question. As you have been in: general, the duty imposed 

- committee by t' is to . rt to the 

House whether any org tion or conspiracy exists here or here- 

abouts, having in view an attack U| _ :nment or 

the government in this city, and I will leave it I 

own way whether you have any knowledge or information of any 
such organization. 

.1 knowledge upon the subject, hut 
I have received innumerable letters from, probably, thirteen to sixteen 

I up to seven, a ace it was k 

that I had been charged by the President with the • urity 

of this city. These letters are more i cific. I think th 

them were a:. i where the name is giveu 

eriter, in many cases, entreats - the name. Ami 

d I have laid these 1 Secre- 

3 his lets .ut the : 

ml put them into the bott m f my] \ -'.owing t 

re he wis* ed to have them. T I lest 

igh som> night be 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 53 

These letters speak of several objects. I have some of them in my 
pocket, which I received this morning ; and I have an abstract of one 
which was received yesterday, which points to two or three objects : 
the seizure of this Capitol, and, as a part of the same object, to seize 
the other public buildings of this city ; next to the seizure of the 
public buildings these letters represent the purpose to be to prevent 
the counting of the ballots for President and Vice-President, which 
comes off towards the middle of next month ; the third object is to 
prevent the inauguration of the President and Vice-President at the 
usual period. These letters, from the broad surface whence they come, 
either prove or seem to indicate a conspiracy for one of two purposes 
at Uast ; a conspiracy to create a false alarm, with many ramifications ; 
from the city of New York, from Virginia, from South Carolina, from 
three or four points in Missouri, besides very many letters from the 
cotton States, one or two from Cincinnati, and several from New 
Jersey. Whether there be a real name attached to them, or whether 
the letters be anonymous, they all speak of tn extensiye conspiracy 
for mischief. Some sort of conspiracy undoubtedly exists, either for 
mischief or creating a false alarm. I have a few of these letters 
received this morning, and I chance to have one received yesterday. 
But I have had innumerable such letters in the last three or four 
weeks. 

Question. You say a portion of these letters were anonymous and a 
portion have names signed to them? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Is there any portion of them signed by names of persons 
known to you to be respectable and responsible persons ? 

Answer. I cannot say that I am acquainted with the character of 
any one of the writers, I mean of those who profess to convey specific 
intelligence. At this moment I cannot recall a single name that is 
personally known to me. Here are specimens [showing letters] of 
such as I have received ; and here is an abstract of one I received 
yesterday, which letter I handed to the Secretary of War, and by 
some chance have this abstract with me. 

The abstract was read as follows : 

"Rumored perils to the Capitol. 

" January 29, 1861. 

"A. II., of New York, writes this second letter to say the 
secession leaders think that secession is dead without this city, 
(Washington,) and that it will he seized on or before March 4. 
Great reliance is placed on clerks in the government offices who have 
been sounded and sworn to secrecy. Vast numbers of men, say 400 
or 500, are coming, and will come from the south and north with 
arms concealed in their baggage, and will be accommodated in the 
houses of the disaffected. Members of military companies north 
have been tampered with by promises of money. With such means 
they will surprise the city some morning before daylight, having the 
public buildings, archives, &c. They will cut the wires, take up the 
rails, and leave the north in some doubt for some days. Some men in 



54 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANZIATIOX 

this city are in the plot, ami they are making lists of prominent men 
to arrest or put to death. Breckinridge or Davis will be the Presi- 
dent of the new republic. It is probable the surprise will lie made 
after the arrival of the President elect. The date is not yet fixed. 
He says high officials in Washington, ' pooh ! pooh ! ' at it. Put 
these generals and other true men on their guard. Says many more 
of the troops are necessary than the district militia ; tampered with ; 
recommends that martial law he declared here. Require the officials 
and employes to take publicly a solemn oath. Ac. Call 30,000 or 
"lit. mm northern militia, who will respond, to this city. The writer 
of the above says he runs some risk in communicating this informa- 
tion, &c." 

By the Chairman. 

Question. That is a mere abstract? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 
Question. Prepared in your office? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you know the writer of that letter? 
Answer. No, sir. 

Question. This is an abstract of the second letter? 
Answer. Yes, sir ; indeed, I cannot keep one-tenth of them in my 
mind. 

By Mr. Branch. 

Question. Has this letter a real name signed to it? 

Answer. 1 think it has. Here is a letter (showing one) from Wil- 
liamsburg, New York, witli some slips in it that have been cut out of 
the newspapers. 1 should not read it, probably, but throw it in the 
fire. 

I will state agaiti, in general terms, that I have received innumer- 
able letters on this subject. And all through them there are indica- 
tions of a conspiracy ; an intent ion to create a false alarm and enjoy 
the joke ; or there is an extraordinary conspiracy for a real purpose. 
I am sure 1 have received 80 or 'JO such letters ; one from Columbia. 
South Carolina; some from Mississippi, Louisiana, Ohio, Illinois, 
Virginia, Delaware, and many from Maryland, all speaking with 
great confidence of an existing conspiracy. The postmarks on the 
letters also prove that the letters come from the places named within. 

Question. I understand you to say that in no instance have you 
received a letter ol' that description signed by a pers in known to 
you ? 

Answer. I do not think I have had a letter containing any specific 
intelligence from any persom with whom I am personally acquainted. 

Question. Have you in any instance endeavored, through your 
subordinates or otherwise, to trace any of these letters, and ascertain 
whether they were from responsible persons or not ? 

Anew* r. 1 have not. 

Question. Where they profess to be signed by the names of the 
writers, have you in any instance male endeavors to ascertain whether 
they were real names or fictitious? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 55 

Answer. I have not. I have been too much occupied to follow up 
such investigations. 

Question. You say some of these letters come from the southern 
States ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Some from those States that have seceded ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What proportion do you think comes from those States ? 

Answer. I think a small proportion are from the cotton States. I 
remember a very specific letter from Columbia, South Carolina. 

Question. Do any considerable portion of them come from those 
slaveholding States that have not seceded? 

Answer. More than from the seceded States ? 

Question. Where does the great bulk come from, the north or the 
south ? 

Answer. The most come, I think, from Virginia ; next, I think, 
from Kentucky. I have had more from Virginia than from any other 
quarter. 

Question. You think, then, there are a larger number of them from 
southern States than from northern States? 

Answer. I think so. 

Question. Have these letters, in any instance, given you the names 
of parties whom they allege to be engaged in this conspiracy, so that 
you could trace them ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I did not know that there were any names men- 
tioned in this abstract. I had forgotten that some very high names 
were mentioned there. I have here (producing a small slip of paper) 
a name I cut out of a letter, which I marked so that I could tell to 
what letter it belongs. It was a very specific letter, that came from 
Columbia, South Carolina; postmarked there. 

Question. Do you know whether it is a real or a fictitious name? 

Answer. I do not. The handwriting is a very good one, very dis- 
tinct. The letter gives proof of education. It is written with great 
strength ; some taste in composition. 

Question. You say that he gives you particulars ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Can you state to the committee any of those particulars? 

Answer. I would rather not trust to memory. I can doubtless ob- 
tain the letter from the Secretary of War. 

Question. Have you any means of ascertaining whether that name 
is a real or a fictitious name ? 

Answer. I have not inquired of a human being about it. There 
was nobody near me who was acquainted there ; and, in truth, I was 
afraid to stir in the matter, for this individual said his life would be 
in danger if his name should become known. Many of them who 
give their names desire to have them suppressed ; and this writer says 
expressly that it would cost him his life to let his name become known. 

Question. You have been, in your life, engaged in many important 
scenes. Have you or not been in the habit, on all important and 
public occasions, of receiving large numbers of anonymous letters per 
mail? 



56 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. I have, in every period of my life, when actively engaged, 
received some. But not one-tenth of the number in the same period 
before. I have not inquired. I have felt a little curiosity with 
respect to that letter from Columbia. I handed it to the Secretary of 
War after I had cut the name off, and told him I would show him the 
name if he wished ; I think he did not ask for it. I remarked to him 
that the writer was in great drea I of having his name exposed. And 
I mentioned to him fuither that 1 thought he must have been one of 
the sworn conspirators, and bad violated his oath. I think that is 
the remark I made to the Secretary of War. 

Question. Would you object to that name being furnished to the 
ocmmittee ? 

Answer. If the committee demand it of me, I think it important I 
should be compelled to give it. But, though I have as much confidence 
in the gentlemen ot the committee as J would have in myself, 1 should 
be exceedingly reluctant to di- the name: I think it would en- 

danger the writer perhaps unnecessarily. 

Question. The only object would be to make inquiry as to whether 
it was a real name, and it so, to have the person before the committee 
in older to ascertain what the plans and arrangements of the con- 
spirators are? 

Answer. 1 mentioned to Secretary Holt, at the time I handed him 
the letter, that this individual could not have spoken with so much 
precision as to measures and persons without having been himself 
sworn a member of the conspiracy which he alleged to exist. 

Question. Or what would be equally as effective, could you, through 
some member of your staff, or other means within your control, asctr- 
taiu with certainty whether it is a real name or not? 

Answer. 1 have three officers in my staff: one is a native of Dela- 
ware, one ot Virginia, and one ot Massachusetts. I do not think that 
either of them has many acquaintances in South Carolina, or rather 
any particular acquaintance in Columbia. I will give this name if 
the committee demands it. And I will make some little inquiry 
in} self, if I can. I do not know that I can. I do not know, at this 
moment, in the District of Columbia, a single peison from the interior 
of South Carolina. I have been extensively acquainted in that State, 
but not of late years. 

Mr. Branch. I think this is an important letter, and that we should 
have this name, for by it we might perhaps get a clue that would 
enable tis to trace this matter. 

The Wiiness. Here are some letters [producing them] sent to me 
from my office this morning. They are perhaps a week old. 

The Chairman. I do not think there is any necessity for putting 
this name on i ur records at this time. It might do individuals harm, 
or it might not. But so far as inserting it in this record at this time 
i mid be opposed to it. If the general should think proper to 
intrust a copy of the name to the committee for their use in ferreting 
this matter out, if they should deem it necessary, or advisable, or 
practicable, 1 eau see no impropriety in that ; because I have every 
confidence in every member ot' the committee. But I am opposed to 
inserting it on our records at this time. 



IN TEE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 57 

Mr. Dawes. I think it is important enough to justify the sending 
of si ime confidential agent there to ohtain all information possible 
touching that communication. 

The Witness. I am very confident, as I remarked to the Secretary 
when I brought the letter to his notice, that he is a sworn member of 
the very conspiracy which he denounces. 

By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. Did you communicate the name to the Secretary of War ? 

Answer. I think not. I thiuk I cut it out, and as I banded the 
letter to him I told him I would give him the name if he desired it. 
But I think he did not ask it. 

Question. I asked in reference to the probability of the War De- 
partment being engaged in this very business. 

Answer. I think not. My impression is that this individual 
represents himself as travelling from Charleston to the west. 

Here is a letter [producing one] among some lew that I accidentally 
have here. 1 have not been to my office this morning. I sent up 
for the summons under which I appear before you, and in sending 
the summons they put in these letters with it. This letter is dated 
at Nashville, Tennessee. I will read it. 

" Sir : By the public papers I observe that you are organizing forces 
in the District of Columbia to resist any attack that may be made 
upon the federal capital on or before the 4th day of March next. 
From these statements I infer that you are informed to some extent 
of the movements making for that purpose. But you can hardly be 
fully acquainted with the magnitude of the danger, and the extent 
of the preparations to prevent Mr. Lincoln's inauguration. A secret 
society exists througli all the southern States, bound together by 
solemn obligations to prevent it at all hazards, even to the extent of 
causing his assassination before taking the oath of office. You may 
not credit this, but I am sorry to have to say that it is strictly true. 
And if the attempt be made to inaugurate Mr. Lincoln in the custom- 
ary manner, the probabilities are groat that some one will be willing 
to run the risk of immortalizing himself by propitiating the extreme 
southern feeling, and will make the attempt upon his life. If your 
precautions are sufficient to prevent a public exhibition of armed force 
the attempt will be certainly made." 

[There seems to be a negative wanting there] 

" The society to which I refer embraces not a few men sworn to 
support the Constitution and laws of the United States; men high iu 
public life ; some holding office at this time under the general gov- 
ernment. Its numbers are already very great. Not a few of its 
members are in Washington. You meet them daily. Several are 
members of Congress. Treason is all around you, I fear to a far 
greater extent than yon are aware ; though I judge from the papers 
you are not unconscious of its existence." 

[I have no information in the world except through letters of this 
description.] 

"If your preparations are not of a nature to render an attack hope- 



58 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

less, it will certainly be made towards the last of February. Great 
show of armed force, ready at a moment's warning, and reliable, too, 
can easily prevent an irruption like that of the ancient Vandals. 

"Tin's communication is solely for your private eye, and is prompted 
simply by a desire to prevent, as far as practicable, the consummation 
of what I cannot but consider one of the most diabolical outrages ever 
perpetrated among a people professing to be civilized and Christian. 
It would be more than my life is worth for it to be known that this 
communication has been made." 

Now, upon reading this letter, it may be that I have confounded this 
letter in part with the Columbia letter ; I think this phrase is also in 
the other letter. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. You say that these anonymous letters come from the 
north as well as the south ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. From every part of the United States? 

Answer. Not every part. 

Question. From every section ? 

Answer. From every quarter. 

Question. Do the writers of the letters from the north intimate that 
the conspiracy exists at the north? 

Answer. In the city of New York ; I do not learn that there is any 
conspiracy out of New York until you come to Maryland ; I do not 
think I have any information of its extending north or east of the 
city of New York ; but very many letters come from Maryland. 

Question. You say you have taken no steps to ascertain whether 
these names are real or fictitious, or to trace out the facts the writers 
profess to give? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Then these letters constitute the whole basis upon which 
you have acted in regard to the defence of this city? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; except, perhaps, a i'ew verbal assurances. 

Question. You have an extensive acquaintance in Virginia, have 
you not, with the most patriotic citizens of the State? 

Answer Pretty extensive. 

Qui stinn. Have any of your friends or acquaintances there written 
to you, or told you verbally that such a conspiracy existed in Vir- 
ginia? 

Answer. I have one or two letters from persons with whose names 
I am acquainted, but who do not stand in any intimate relation with 
me ; I merely know the names and know they are respectable persons; 
some of the letters, perhaps, bearing such names, speak of the con- 
spiracy ; I cannot say whether they are genuine, nor have I ever stood 
in intimate relations with them, nor know their haudwriting. I 
think I have some such intimating that this Capitol is in great danger. 

Question. Have you not seen in this city, within the last four weeks, 
a large number of your Virginia friends of high standing in that 
State ? 

Answer. I have 6ecn a number. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 59 

Question. Have any of them stated to you that a conspiracy existed 
in Virginia? 

Answer. I think not ; I have seen Mr. Rives and some four or five 
of our principal citizens ; I do not think that any one of them have 
said so. 

Question. You say that a large portion of these letters that you 
have received came from the State of Virginia? 

Answer. I have, perhaps, rather more from Virginia than from any 
other one State. 

Question. Have any of your personal friends or acquaintances in 
any other State informed you verbally that they knew, or had reason 
to think, there was a conspiracy? 

Answer. I think not; nobody with whom I have had, heretofore, 
any habits of intimacy. I doubt if anybody from any other State, 
with whose name I was ever acquainted, has done so. 

Question. Assuming that there was really danger, have you con- 
ferred with the civil, municipal, and military officers of this District, 
to ascertain whether they had sufficient means within the District to 
protect the public property here belongiLg to the government ? 

Answer. I have, partially. I have conversed with Major General 
Weightman, the head of the military of the city. I have conversed, I 
think, twice with the mayor of the city ; I met him at a large dinner 
party the other day, and after dinner I conversed with him and the 
colonel of the marine corps. 

Question. Did they intimate to you that they apprehended any dan- 
ger of attack upon the government here? 

Answer. The mayor said to me twice that he could not name a 
single body of men, or association of men, in this city, who enter- 
tained criminal designs against the government, or the public prop- 
erty of the city. I have seen him twice ; he called at my office once 
with General Weightman. He thought that precautions were im- 
portant, and he spoke of swearing in a number of special consta- 
bles. But he said he could not lay his finger upon a spot — that was 
his phrase — that was disloyal. I understood him to mean that he 
could not name an association that was disloyal. He repeated nearly 
the same thing to me, at a dinner party this day week, at the house 
of the British minister. I had quite a detailed conversation with 
Colonel Harris, of the marine corps, concerting with him means of 
security. The mayor joined us, as I have reported repeatedly since. 
I have reported it to two persons, very high in the government, whom 
1 find animated with a very lively desire to preserve the peace and 
protect the property of the city. 

Question. Did the mayor ever tell you whether he was able to cope 
with any danger, by means of the military and municipal force of the 
District? 

Answer. The military would not he directly under his command, 
except in the nature of a posse. 

Question. In that nature, did the mayor ever inform you that he 
felt himself able to protect the peace of the city with the means in 
his reach? 



fiO ALLKctli HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. I do not think he spoke directly to that point ; he did not 
think there was danger. 

Question. Be did not think there was any danger? 

Answer. Be expressed himself that way repeatedly. 

Question. Did he ever request you, as commanding general of the 
army, to afford him any assistance? 

Answer. I do not think he did. I offered to be sworn in as a con- 
stable, and he agreed to accept me. 

Question, lit nev r applied for troops? 

Answer. X.>. sir. 

Question. l>;d you ever confer with him before ordering troops here, 
as to its being necessary ? 

Answer. 1 think not. 

Question. Did the mayor ever express to you any doubts loy- 

alty of the people of the District, and their 1 a lint ss t.i obey his sum- 
is ? 

Answer. I do no- think he did ; the mayor impressed me vei 
vorably ; perhaps 1 ou there; but I have not si an anj 

else who was impressed favorably by him. lie won my confidence by 
his frank and earnest manner. I never had the pleasure of seeing the 
mayor hut twice in my life : the first time was twelve or thirteen days 
ago, and the second time was the other day at dinner. 

Question. What is his reputation as a municipal officer? 

Answer. I do n( t know. 

Question. You have been a great deal in this city for the last three 
or four years? 

Answer. Very little. I will say, in regard to the mayor, that I 
understood he displayed very great zeal and energy, and met with 
in putting down a mob here two or three I 

was not here at the time. He alluded to it in his i with 

me. I can only sneak of the impression he made upon me, which 
was very favorable. 

Question. Theu I gather from your replies that the mayor of the 
city has not called upon you to give him assis i i I the 

ot the city here, and that he thought the city was in no danger, 
and that bethought he was able, with the means in his - to pro- 

tect the public property and the government? 

Answer. He thought there was no danger, and he has not asfe 1 
lor assistance. Whether he said he was competent to protect the 
public property or not, I interred that was his opinion, though I do 
not know that he said so in so many w 

n. You have recently ordered a number of . ; the 

regular army here ? •' 

Answer. I have ordered a small num 

■ number have you ordered to 1 District? 

Answer. I have ordered, I think, includii 
com pan i -. 

Question. What will be the probable strength of those compai 

Answer rould he about the averag N ne of the compa- 

are lull. We have tw i standards, one for the distant frontier, 

and one for thi • - md interior — fifty-four privates lor the - .- 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Gl 

coast and interior, and eighty-four fur the distant frontiers. Those 
eight companies, when they all reach this place, may number about 
four hundred and eighty men, perhaps. 

Question. To what arms of the service do they belong? 
Answer. Four companies are artillery, acting as infantry, and three 
are horse artillery, or flying artillery; two of these are now here, and 
the third will be here in a very few days. There is a company of sap- 
pers and miners irom West Point. They are kept at West Point for 
engineering purposes,*but during the winter they cannot give lessons. 
They are here sixty-two strong. They are very superior soldiers. There 
will be eight companies of regulars, including that company of sappers 
and miners ; seven are now here or under orders, and one is now on 
the ocean, and will get its orders as soon as it reaches New York. 

Question. Making eight companies to be concentrated here before 
the 4th ot March? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Is that exclusive of the marines? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I understand from Colonel Harris that he thinks 
of retaining one-half of the marines for the defence of the navy yard. 
There may be two hundred and forty in all of the marines. 
Question. Where will these companies be stationed? 
Answer. One at the United States arsenal, at Greenleaf's Point, 
some two miles from the Capitol. One is on G street, or F street, I 
torget which, the other side of the War Office ; these two are horse 
companies. The sappers and miners are in the city armory. The 
volunteers of this city have a building in which they lodge their arms 
when they are not out drilling or parading. And the volunteers repre- 
sented to me that those arms were in great danger of being stolen or 
burned by disaffected people of this city, and I accordingly put this 
company in the city armory building. It is across the canal, a little 
below the Smithsonian Institution. In the course of this week there 
will be two or three other companies here. 

Question. Have you selected the points where they are to be sta- 
tioned ? 

Answer. The quartermaster is instructed to hire buildings where 
he can find them. He has not reported to me where he will be able 
to obtain quarters for the next troops that will arrive ; but one com- 
pany, I think, will be on oapitol Hill ; that is, I understood that he 
expected to engage quarters here ; I do not know whether he has or 
not. 

Question. You say these troops have not been ordered here in ac- 
cordance with the request of the municipal authorities of the city? 
Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Rather in disregard of the opinion of the mayor that they 
were not necessary? 

Answer. I have not been requested by him to call any hither. 
Question. He stated that it was not necessary? 
Answer. He said it was not necessary. 

Question. Has the President of the United States ordered it to be 
done in consequence of any information in his possession ? 

Answer. He has some information on the subject. I have heard 



62 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

him read a letter very like the letters which I have received to-day. 
I have brought no troops here without the permission of the President 
of the United States, or at his instance. 

Question. At his instance? 

Answer. Originally it was agreed that so many troops should come. 
I had my opinion upon the subject, and I gave it. The troops which 
were originally designated between us have not all arrived. A por- 
tion of them are not yet here. 

Question. Of course I did not mean to intimate a doubt that you 
had acted with his concurrence. 

Answer. Of course I am subordinate to the President of the United 
States. 

Question. What I desired to know was whether those troops were 
brought here at his special direction and instance, in consequence of 
those letters that you have told us about this morning ? 

Answer. He has heard of all the Utters, except those that have 
come to-day, and he has seen some them. The Secretary of War has 
carried them to him, or given him the substance of them. The Presi- 
dent, in a conversation between us, thought it was necessary to take 
some measures for the protection and safety of the city. In that con- 
versation it was determined that so many troops should be brought 
here for that purpose, and I was charged by him with the peace of 
the city. 

Question. Then I understand that these letters of which we have 
been speaking this morning, constitute the ground upon which you 
have been led to believe that the safety of the public property and the 
government required you to bring a portion of the army here? 

Answer. Yes, sir. There is hardly anything beyond the letters. 

Question. Do you know the numerical strength of the militia of 
this District? 

Answer. I do not. I should suppose that the uniformed volunteer 
companies may amount to, perhaps, 350 or 400 men. 

Question. That is, the drilled and officered companies? 

Answer. Yes ; the volunteers. I suppose they do not exceed 400. 
I have never seen the return 

Question. Can you give anything like an approximate estimate of 
the whole number subject to military duty in this District? 

Answer. I have never seen the returns. I think there are some 
400 drilled and armed men. 

Question. Out of a population of 80,000 what would be a fair esti- 
mate of tt e number of men subject to military duty ? 

Answer. About one in six. 

Question. That would be about 13,000 fighting men for a popula- 
tion of 80,000? 

Answer. If you run up in your enlistments as high as men of the 
age of 65, it would be about one in five. 

Question. These militia are subject to be called into service by the 
President of the United States under existing laws, are they not ? 

Answer. I believe he can only call them, as he could the militia 
from the States, in case of disturbance, to enforce the laws, suppress 
insurrections, and repel invasions. These are the purposes named in 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLOMBIA. 63 

the Constitution, and also in the act authorizing the calling forth of 
the militia. 

Question. Was there within your possession any information going 
to show that the militia of this District are not reliable for the purpose 
of executing the laws, suppressing insurrection-*, and repelling inva- 
sions ? 

Answer. From the nature of the case, I can have no direct knowl- 
edge upon the subject ; but some of the militia officers themselves tell 
me that there are many disaffected individuals in all except two or 
three companies ; and I have heard of one entire company being dis- 
affected — disloyal to the Constitution of the United States. 

Question. Do you think that is the prevailing sentiment among the 
people of the District of Columbia? 

Answer. I cannot speak further. 

Question. Has that been so represented to you? 

Answer. Some of the officers connected with the militia here — at 
least two of them — have told me, or dropped the remark casually in 
conversation, that there was a great deal of disaffection in some of the 
militia companies of the District. I have heard the militia of George- 
town excepted — at least two companies of them, one of infantry and 
one of horse. 

Question. They are within the District, and embraced under the 
same regulations? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; they are within the District. 

Question. You have heard them excepted, and heard that they were 
loyal, and have only heard that some individuals of companies in this 
city were disloyal ? 

Answer. I did hear of one entire company in this city that were 
thought disloyal. 

Question. Have you heard any opinion expressed by the local au- 
thorities here that the militia, as a body, were not to be relied upon ? 

Answer. I have had the least intercourse in the world with the local 
authorities. The mayor did me the honor to call upon me once, with 
General Weightman. 

Question. You did not order the troops here in consequence of the 
fact that you suspected the District militia could not be relied upon? 

Answer. From the hints and suggestions made to me, I have consid- 
ered that portions of many companies here were disaffected. But my in- 
formation on that point is very imperfect. 

Question. Not derived from any official quarters ? 

Answer. Nothing direct ; nothing official. I do not know a single 
captain or lieutenant in the city. I may know some of them without 
being aware that they belong to the militia. I do not know that I 
am acquainted with one of them. 

Question. Have you not recently had large demands made upon you 
for regular troops for public service in various quarters of the States 
and Territories? 

Answer. Only under threats of having our forts seized. 

Question. And you have, under these threats, had large demands 
made upon you? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; here in this city, in the harbor of Baltimore, in 



04 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Delaware, &c. T have not had anything to do with Harper's Ferry. 
The troops were ordered there independent of my agency; but I be- 
lieve they were very necessary, and 1 would have ordered them there 
it' the application had been made to me. I should have gone to the 
Pr< sident, of course, tor his approbation. 

Question. You have recently had a very large demand made upon 
you for men and officers for frontier service, protection against Indians. 
and for the protection of the public property in various quarters of 
the Union? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and I was opposed to stripping the seaboard so 
extensively ol troops as it has been stripped of them. I did not think 
it was necessary. It was done against my views of expediency. I 
think there were more troops sent to Texas and New Mexico than were 
needed there. 

Question. Notwithstanding this great demand for troops for the 
proti ction of the forts and for the protection of the frontiers, you still 
have considered the need so imminent here as to draw off eight com- 
panies of regulars, besides two hundred marines, to protect the prop- 
erty of the government here? 

Answer. These troops were not drawn off from any exposed fron- 
tiers. Fort Leavenworth is an interior post. I am very confident 
Texas could spare two regiments, and I think New Mexico could 
spare one regiment, and have sufficient force left for the defence of 
the frontiers. 

Question. Then none of the frontiers, or elsewhere, have suffered 
from bringing troops here? 

Answer. I have not brought any troops here from the frontiers. 

Question. You have brought some from the seaboard? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And some from Leavenworth, Kansas? 

Answer. I have brought three companies from Kansas. They are 
not needed there. One company has been brought from Platteburg, 
in the State of New York A company that was driven out of the 
arsenal at Baton Rouge will be here ; it has reached New York, and 
will he here in a very few days A company from the arsenal at 
Augusta, Georgia, is now on the ocean, and will be in New York in 
a day or two. It was driven out of the arsenal at Augusta, and will 
be here some time next week ; and we bring two companies from 
West Point, making eight companies in all. One company from 
Boston harbor has gone to the Tortugas. 

Question. Have you, under the direction of the War Department, 
or otherwise, ordered a military escort of any description to accom- 
pany the President elect to this city, on or before the 4th of March 
next? 

Answer. No, sir. I saw myself reported the other day to have 
done something of the kind. But I have had no more agency in 
such a thing than yon have had. I heard that some democratic gen- 
tlemen of Baltimore — none but democrats, some twenty of them — 
bad united together and agreed to offer their services to meet the 
President elect and escort him here. That plan was attributed to 
me, but I lei D > more agency in it than the infant born last night. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 65 

Question. You have too much confidence in your fellow-citizens to 
believe that such a thing is necessary ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I did not say that. I have received a great 
number of warning letters from Virginia, and a great number came 
from the line between Wheeling and Baltimore.. 

Question. Then you think if the conspiracy exists, it is stronger in 
Pennsylvania than elsewhere? 

Answer No, sir; that route is mostly in Maryland — in small part 
in Virginia and Pennsylvania. I have had more letters from along 
that line or road than from almost any one State. 

Question. If Congress were to request it, do you think that you 
could organize a volunteer force in the District of Columbia, without 
going outside of it, sufficient to make the government, and Congress, 
and public property here secure, and so as to enable you to send off 
the regular troops of the army which have been concentrated here? 

Answer. I think not. 

Question. You think not? 

Answer. I should be afraid to risk it myself. 

Question. And you have based that opinion on the letters of which 
you have spoken to the committee? 

Answer. Yes, sir; and hearsay ; a great deal of hearsay about the 
District. I have very few letters from the District ; not more than 
one or two ; my knowledge is mostly from hearsay. 

Question. Does this- hearsay come from any persons known to you 
to be responsible and discreet persons ? 

Answer. They are persons I meet in society, as respectable as any 
of my acquaintance. I cannot name any distinguished individuals, 
no members of Congress, but persons here in the District of Columbia, 
and apparently as respectable as anybody here. Indeed, I know 
many of them to be quite respectable. 

Question. Do they give you facts upon which they base their opin- 
ion, or only vague, undefined fears? 

Answer. I think they have not given me any specific facts, but a 
great many speak of the District of Columbia as doubtful. 

Question. A large portion of these letters, you say, come from the 
north ? 

Answer. I do not think half of them come from the north. 

Question. Do you think one-third come from the north ? 

Answer. I think that, including Maryland, fully one-third come 
from the north. 

Question. I see one here [taking up a letter] from Middletown, 
Connecticut. 

Answer. A portion came from New England, but very few. That 
is one which I received this morning. I do not think I have read it. 

Question. Do you think the ramifications of this conspiracy, if it 
exists, extend to New England, or beyond the city of New York? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Do you know any facts upon which you base your belief 
of its existence in the city of New York ? 

Answer. Letiers from there say there is a pretty extensive branch 
there. For instance, I was called upon, within ten days, to protect 
H. Kep. Com. 79 5 



GG ALLEGED ITOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

one df the forts in the harbor of New York. Some four or five years 
ago we turned over to the Navy Department one of the small islands 
in the harbor ot New York, to he used as a powder magazine, and the 
quantity of powder stored there is enormous. I have received infor- 
mation, within seven or eight days, that there was a plan for robbing 
that magazine of powder, and a guard was asked for. I did not ex- 
amine far into the matter, because I replied that it now belonged to 
the Navy Department, and was no longer in the charge of the army; 
and 1 did nothing in the matter. I presume the Navy Department 
did something. 

Question. You do not know what steps were taken? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. But it was alleged that that arsenal would be seized by 
persons in the city of New York ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. For what purpose? — as a part o'' this same general con- 
spiracy for the overthrow of the government? 

Answer. For the use of the south. I do not know that it was for 
the overthrow of the government. Perhaps for the use of the seced- 
ing States. I did not investigate it at all, because I replied that it 
did not belong to the army branch of the service. 

Question. You do not ki*ow what steps were taken to protect it? 

Answer. I do not. I promptly replied that it did not pertain to 
us ; that it must go to the Navy Department. I know it was taken 
over to the Navy Department. 

Question. Do you know whether there is in the possession of the 
Secretary of War any intormation other than these letters you have 
taken to him ? ♦ 

Answer. I think he has received a great many letters of the same 
character — as has the President. 

Question. Some anonymous and some signed? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I heard the President read one I think it was 
an anonymous letter ; aud he commented upon it. I was with the 
President yesterday, and that, was the reason 1 did not obey your 
summons. We were there until quite late — various members of the 
cabinet ; and during that meeting this subject was incidentally re- 
ferred to. The President read a letter which he himself had received, 
pretty much of the same character with those I had received. 

Question. Signed by a name or anonymous? 

Answer. I cannot soy. My impression at first was that it was 
anonymous, but now I think it was not. I rather think I heard him 
say he knew the writer. 

Question. Did the writer give facts and details of the plan of the 
conspiracy, aud its object? 

Answer. I do not think he was very specific. I read daily from 
three to niue such letters, aud having a great deal to do I cannot keep 
them distinct in my mind. I can only give you the general impres- 
sion they make upon my mind. 

At the request of Mr. Branch the reporter of the committee read 
the following extract from the Washington correspondence of the New 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 67 \ 

York Herald, as published in that paper on Monday, the 28th of Jan- 
uary, 1861 : 

" The most intense excitement exists in certain congressional cir- 
cles in consequence of the fact leakiug out that the Howard select 
committee of the House have positive evidence before them of a con- 
spiracy existing in this city and vicinity to overthrow the government, 
in which certain prominent officials and citizens in Washington and 
elsewhere figure. Decisive action will be taken in relation to the 
matter, and every man, from ex-cabinet officers down to the humblest 
department clerk or Senate employe, will be held to the strictest ac- 
count. In this emergency it is gratifying to know that, while there 
may be many citizens in Maryland who, when they can honorary do 
it, if they cannot consistently remain in the Union, will go out, have 
determined that while they do remain in it they will be loyal citizens, 
and when they go out they will not do so dishonorably. The exist- 
ence of the conspiracy has been known to certain officials in Wash- 
ington for some time." 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. The question I want to base upon that extract is this: Is 
the general character of the letters you have received such as might 
have been excited by the writers' reading statements of that descrip- 
tion in the public papers? Might they have originated from alarms 
excited by such statements as that? 

Answer. I think they are independent of such extracts, because I 
have been receiving these letters for four weeks. They begin to thicken 
now very much ; but I received these letters four weeks ago. Indeed, 
I think I received the first before the 20th of December. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Have you been disposed or influenced, do you suppose, to 
treat these matters very seriously because of the fact that a large 
amount of the public property has been seized in other sections — more 
influenced than you would have been in ordinary times? Have you 
given more weight to these letters in consequence of the knowledge of 
the fact that the public property has already been seized on a large 
scale? 

Answer. I think, very little, if any. Indeed, I am not conscious 
of having been so influenced. 

Question. In all this correspondence have you received any intima- 
tions from any constituted State authorities in any State? Has any 
governor or State officer suggested that you should be vigilant, or that 
there was danger, even in general terms? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; from one governor, and I think but one. I am 
not acquainted with him personally, but he has expressed, in at least 
one letter, grave apprehensions of danger to this capital. 

Question. Was that recently ? 

Answer. Within fifteen days, certainly ; perhaps within ten. 

Question. Did he make any suggestions as to the amount of force 
that he thought you ought to have ? 



68 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. I think he did; recommended a large force ; hut I will 
not be positive about that. 

Question. Was he at all specific? 

Answer. I received two letters from him. In one of those letters 
he stated that there was quite a body of volunteers within his State 
that would be ready to obey any call. And I replied, and begged 
that applications upon that subject might be made to the Secretary of 
War, or directly to the President ; that I did not feel myself at liberty 
to entertain propositions of that sort. I begged him to refer to the 
Secretary of War, or directly to the President. Any governor of a 
State would, of course, be authorized to address the President of the 
United States. 

Question. Would you deem it improper to state what governor 
that was? 

Answer. I would rather not. 

Question. Are you personally acquainted with him? 

Answer. I am not ; I never saw him that I know of. 

Question. Was it a northern or southern State? Or would you 
decline to answer that question? I do not care about pressing it. 

Answer. One of the middle States ; I should call it a middle State. 

Question. Have you received any intimations that there was a con- 
spiracy, on a large or small scale, to commit any bodily injury upon 
yourself? 

Answer. I have got some anonymous letters, and one that appeared 
to have a genuine signature ; but I never thought it worth while to 
speak of it. 

Question. Did you get intimations through friends, within the last 
three days, that there were persons here in the city for the express 
purpose of assassinating you ? 

Answer. To seize me, I think it was. 

Question. Or dispose of you in some way? 

Answer. To seize me ; make me a prisoner. I received one letter, 
purporting to have a genuine signature, threatening assassination to 
several persons more considerable than myself, and my name was 
added to the number. A gentleman in this city told me that he had 
heard a project for making me a prisoner and carrying me off; not 
involving assassination, but capturing me. He mentioned it smilingly, 
and I think I have not mentioned it before. I have a letter written, 
I forget where, appearing to bear a genuine signature, in which the 
writer says that before the 4th of March Mr. Buchanan, Mr. Lincoln, 
and one or two very eminent men in Congress, and myselt, will be 
assassinated ; that we shall not be allowed to survive the 4th of 
March. I did not think of attaching any importance to it. I have 
taken no notice of the letter, and do not desire to do so. Mr. Holt, 
Secretary of War, said to me a few days ago — I think four or five days 
ago — jocosely : "Are you aware of a plan to seize you, and dispose of 
you in some way?" Not a single remark was made in reply, except 
that I did not think it would be worth the trouble, or something to 
that effect ; that I did not apprehend any danger. I understood it to 
be to carry me off. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 69 



By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. The mayor of this city, I understand you to say, ex- 
pressed his opinion that there was no danger to he apprehended in 
the District of Columbia. I will ask you this: Did you not under- 
stand him to refer to danger arising in the District? 

Answer. I did ; to danger from his own people. 

Question. And his information would be confined to the circle of 
his observation within the District? 

Answer. To the population of the District ; I distinctly so under- 
stood it. 

Question. Your preparations are not made with reference to any 
danger to be apprehended immediately within and from the District, 
but from abroad ? 

Answer. I can say much more to meet dangers from abroad than 
internal dangers ; not dangers from the free States. 

Question. And these preparatory measures, I understand, are con- 
certed by yourself and other officers of the government, including the 
President and the Secretary of War ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And are dictated, therefore, by the common information 
which you all possesstd? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; entirely so. 

Question. If you were to depend entirely upon the militia of the 
District to resist any apprehended danger, would there be time, with- 
out reference to any other considerations, to organize that militia suf- 
ficiently to resist that danger, in the interval between this time and 
the time at which it was to be apprehended ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; a bill passed by the two Houses of Congress 
this week would give us any number of volunteers within two days, 
from Pennsylvania, Maryland, New Jersey, and the city of New York. 
In ten days' time we could fill the city with volunteers. 

Question. That is in reference to the militia without the District. 
How would it be with reference to the militia within the District? 
Could you organize within that interval a sufficient number of them ? 

Answer. I suppose there may he about four hundred organized and 
unilbrmed in the District. But I never directed a solitary inquiry to 
that subject. 

Question. I will ask you your opinion in reference to the militia of 
the District, in view of the opinion you have expressed of their limited 
disaffection. What is your opinion of them as a reliable body witli 
which to resist apprehended danger ? 

Answer. I should doubt, from my slight knowledge of the subject, 
whether you could get two hundred reliable volunteers within the 
District. Against a foreign enemy they would be of much greater 
value. But I think, from the hints that I have heard, and conversa- 
tions that I have held upon the subject, more than one-half of the 
militia of this District is disaffected towards the present Union. 

Question. Have not your preparations in drafting forces from the 
army and locating them here, as preparatory to a certain dauger, 



70 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

depended quite as much upon the character of those forces to repel 
that danger as the Dumber of the forces themselves? 

Answer. I regarded the local militia as insufficient to meet any 
serious danger. It' I may be allowed to make a single remark to 
explain my meaning, there is great danger in employing militia, 
because you cannot prevent them from firing very improperly; they 
get agitated, alarmed ; all new troops do, even regulars before they 
are disciplined and have had some experience. You cannot restrain 
them from tiring. Under a shower of brickbats and stones you can 
rarely prevent militia from tiring. You cannot prevent any new 
tro< ps from doing so, whether you call them regulars or militia. 1 
do not like to deal in important cases with men who cannot be relied 
upon to stand and wait tor orders. 

Question. And your preparations with this peculiar force of the 
army have been dictated by such views as these among others? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I can with them, perhaps, go through scenes 
of extreme peril and not fire a gun or shed a drop of blood ; whereas 
with militia or irregular troops there might be much bloodshed. 

Question. And with regular troops there would be less danger than 
with the militia? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; there would be great danger with the militia. 
I do not think the regular troops are naturally braver than the vol- 
unteers or militia. Give them discipline, and the volunteers and 
militia are just as good as our regular trocps. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. When yon say that you think more than half of the 
militia of this District are disaffected to the government, do I under- 
stand you to mean that more than half of the persons in the District 
subject to military duty are in tavor of a dissolution of the Union? 

Answer. 1 did not mean that. I mean that I have been led to 
believe that among the organizad militia of this District one-half are 
disaffected — wish to have this government overthrown would prefer 
to have it overthrown. The grounds of my belief consist of a number 
ot small particulars. 

Question. Are actively engaged in tavor of a dissolution of the 
Union ? 

Answer. At least would prefer to see the Union dissolved. 

Question. You confine your remark to the organized militia? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What would you say about the militia of the District 
that are not organized? 

Answer. I know but little about the militia, and still less about 
the citizens. 

Question. You say that one governor of a State has written to you 
twice, offering you volunteers, and you referred him to the President 
and the Secretary of War. 1 desire to ask that you will commuui- 
nicate to the committee of what State he was governor? 

Answer. 1 would much prefer not to do so. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 71 

Thursday, February 7, 1861. 
Winfield Scott, examination resumed. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. I understand that you desire to make some corrections of 
your former testimony so far as it relates to some of the letters referred 
to by you at that time ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. When first befoie the committee, I confounded 
three letters — one from Nashville, Tennessee, one from Columbia, 
(South Carolina, and one from New York. I was quite indisposed the 
day I was here ; and as I had received largely, more than one hun- 
dred letters, upon the same subject, I suppose I must in that way got 
those three letters jumbled together in my memory in a manner that 
has given me a great deal of distress. I have now brought these 
three letters with me, in order that they may speak for themselves. 
It was a New York letter that I supposed I had received from Colum- 
bia, South Carolina. From the New York letter 1 had cut out the 
name of the writer and the name of a person twice mentioned in its 
body. It was quite important that I should suppress the name. This 
is the New York letter. [Producing the letter.] 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Was the name signed to this letter a genuine name? 

Answer. Yes, sir, as I have ascertained since I was first here. I 
have cut out his street and number in New York. He is a very con- 
siderable merchant, and one of the most respectable citizens in New 
York. The handwriting of this New York letter was so remarkable 
that I had a copy of it made, as I desire to withhold the original. 
But I have brought the original, in order that it may be seen whether 
the copy is a correct one. The Columbia letter is of much less im- 
portance than I had attributed to it. It is anonymous, and relates to 
Charleston affairs mainly ; perhaps there is an allusion to something 
beyond. 

I will not again undertake to speak from memory. 1 am exceed- 
ingly mortified at the mistakes I have made. I desired to put myself 
rigut upon the record in respect to these letters. 

By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. The letters collectively convey the same meaning that 
you attributed to them when you were here before, but you erro- 
neously attributed different portions of the information to the wrong 
letters ? 

Answer. I confounded them together. Two of the letters are very 
specific, the New York letter aud the Nashville letter. The Nash- 
ville letter is already on your record. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. The New York letter is the one you had confounded with 
the Columbia letter? 



72 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. It is the one I had attributed to Columbia. 

Question. And you have now ascertained, witli regard to the New 
York letter, that the signature is the name of a real person? 

Answer. A genuine signature. 

Question. Of a man who, in your judgment, is a reliable person? 

Answer. I am told by a member of Congress, who is intimately 
acquainted with him, that he is a man of veiy high character. 

Question. You do not know him personally ? 

Answer 1 do not. It was that name that I had on a slip of paper 
in my pocket when I was here before. 

The letter is as follows : 

[Private.] 

"New York, January 26, 1861. 

" Sir: The plan of the traitors is to take possession of the capital on 
or about the 5th of February by a coup de main, and to hold possession 
after March 4, when they will be the government de facto; and 
this will be done, unless the force shall be greatly increased which 
you now have there, and that force made up of reliable mm. The 
present men are not all reliable, and the force is too small to resist 
what will be brought against the capital. Mr. Buchanan, it is be- 
lieved, (and said to be known,) will not interfere." 

[The Witness. That is unjust.] 

" Nearly two weeks since 1 gave information to Mr. of what 

the plans then were, and I understand from him that he communi- 
cated them to you. By this mail I have written to Mr. again ; 

but the mails have been so uncertain, and the time is to pressingly 
short, that though I have not the honor of your personal acquaintance, 
I tak<» *he liberty of addressing you directly. 

"My information is from the most reliable source. It is only from 
very peculiar circumstances that I am enabled to get the truth, and 
my sense of duty leads me to communicate it to you. 

"I must ask, however, that my name be kept strictly private, ex- 
cepting from Mr. , who knows the facts from me My present 

safety demands this privacy, and the probability of getting further 
information equally requires the same course. 

"Details could be added, but they are entirely unimportant. 
" Your obedient servant. 

" Lieutenant General W. Scott." 

The letter from Columbia is as follows : 

"Columbia, January 24, 1861. 

" Dear Sir : Having just returned from Charleston from a visit of 
two weeks, and thinking you would like to be posted up, came to the 
conclusion to write you a few lines, and give you the points. The 
head ones of this State expect to demand of Major Anderson, Fort 
Sumter, and if he refuses to give it up, they are making preparations 
to take it, or try to do so in about ten days from this time, or as soon 
as they get fixed. The guns at Fort Moultrie are all up. They have 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 73 

another battery about two miles further down on the island with five 
24-pounders. They have command of Moffat's channel, fifteen guns 
at Morris island, and about twenty at Fort Johnston, some of them 
heavy, also Fort Pickens [Pinckney ?] They have just received four 
f)4-pounder8 from Richmond or some other place, and are making gun 
carriages for them at the South Carolina railroad shops. These guns 
are to be placed in' boats to be towed in the rear of Fort Sumter. 
They are to be placed behind cotton bales. They are fixing boats for the 
troops to land at the fort after they have knocked a hole in the wall. 
At this time there is two thousand troops from the up country on the 
island, and ten thousand will be ready in the country in five days to 
go down. And unless the fort is given up they will certainly try and 
take it. The people think if Anderson remains in the fort they will 
be disgraced. They don't think Anderson would fire on them, but 
will give it up. Any quantity of shot and shell has been received in 
Charleston. The people of this State are down on you, and no mis- 
take but what they would handle you as rough as they would Seward 
if they could get hold of you. Shall have to direct this to some one 
else for fear you would not get it. What I have written you can de- 
pend upon. I tell you that this State is bound to have that fort if it 
cost five hundred men. The United States officers that have got ap- 
pointments, most of them are dissatisfied, not appointed high enough. 
Some have resigned, and others are going to do the same. Nothing 
more at this time. Would give my name, but if found out would 
have to swing. 

" I remain yours, 

"UNION. 
" General Winfield Scott." 

By Mr. Bkanch : 

Question. Do you regard these three letters which you have placed 
before the committee as the most pointed and distinct that you have 
received — the most worthy of notice? 

Answer. They are fully as much so as the others I have sent to 
Baltimore two letters, which I have received since I was here last, to 
learn whether the signatures were genuine, and to learn the character 
of the writers ; taking the hint from something that was said here 
when I was last before the committee. They have not yet been re- 
turned to me. They are fully as specific, and relate to matters at 
least as important as the Nashville letter and the New York letter. 
They were sent to Baltimore some three days since, and I expected 
them back before this. 

The Chaikman. While we would be very glad, general, and desire 
to have any fact, any additional important imformation that you can 
give the committee, we wish you to judge as to the propriety of com- 
municating anything you may have. That is to say, we do not wish 
you to communicate anything that would tend to defeat the very 
objects you have in view. But anything that would not coiie within 
that rule you can state in addition to what you have already commu- 
nicated. 

The Witness. I have slightly misrepresented a letter of which I 



74 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

spoke the other day ; that misrepresentation I wish to correct. I 
stated on a former occasion, under cross-examination, that one of the 
letters addressed to me hy a governor of a State referred to what is 
called a conspiracy merely as something whose existence was recog- 
nized, not as anything that he himself pretended to have any know- 
ledge of; I stated something to that effect. In looking over one of 
his letters I find that he went further than that.* In the conclusion 
of one of his notes to me he says that " a scheme to defeat the count- 
ing I know has been and I tear still is contemplated." I stated, 
Bpeaking from memory, that there was nothing of that character in 
his letters. The sentence here seems to be incomplete. " A scheme 
to defeat the counting;" probably he meant the counting of the 
ballots tor President and Vice-President. " A scheme to defeat the 
counting I know has been and I fear still is contemplated." 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You then stated from memory, but now you have the 
letter before you? 

Answer. 1 have the letter before me. I had no papers with me 
when here last, except the letters I received that morning, and one 
or two others that happened accidentally to be in my possession then. 
The bulk of the papers were at my office. Waen here before I read 
a copy or abstract of a letter, and I was asked to obtaiu the original. 
This is the original. [Producing the letter referred to.] 

The letter is as follows : 

"New York, January 29, 1861. 

" Dear Sir: The importance of your being informed of facts rela- 
tive to the conspiracy to seize Washington is the cause why I pre- 
sume a second time to write you. 

" The leaders say that secession is dead without Washington city ; 
and it is still their intention to get possession of Washington by the 
4th of March next, if possible. I will endeavor briefly to show you 
their present plan, for your energy and vigilance have caused con- 
siderable mollification of their schemes. 

"Great reliance is placed upon the clerks in the public offices in 
Washington. As long ago as June, 1860, they were sounded, and 
subsequently sworn to keep secret what they might learn for effecting 
the seizure of the Capitol. Young men and others in military com- 
panies north are now being tampered with by promises and money, 
and when solemnly sworn are partially informed of the business at 
Washington. Those at the capital who are able, and others friendly 
to the cause, are now asked to quietly accommodate one or two, or 
more men in their houses for a short time next month. These men 
will arrive from the north and south by railroad quietly and unosten- 
tatiously. Each will carry his gun, pistol, and some ammunition 
concealed in his baggage. It is supposed by those well informed that 
four thousand or perhaps four thousand five hundred determined men 
can thus be concentrated quietly at Washington. Then, under the 
leadership of an experienced man, make a concerted surprise some 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 75 

morning before daylight, and by numbers and suddenness make 
powerless the military in the neighborhood. Awing the city, and 
with cannon in their possession, they will have some good practical 
reasons for thinking that the capital, its archives and treasures, are 
in their traitorous hands. Immediately the telegraphic wires will be 
cut, and the railroads leading out of the city torn up for some dis- 
tance. Perhaps two, and perhaps three days, on account of con- 
federates in Maryland, may transpire before loyal men in the north 
will he able to do anything more than wonder at the audacity of the 
attack. These three days will not be wasted. Thousands will march 
on to Washington from the south, and will contest possession, if 
needs be, with those who come from the north. The first of those 
days every prominent public man who is supposed to be opposed to 
those infernal traitors will be arrested and imprisoned, and some 
will be punished by death. The lists are now being prepared by the 
desperate men at the head of this movement, some of whom sit in the 
Senate chamber. And though I have not seen those lists, nor know 
how much of the talent and honor of the country are comprised in 
them, yet I think I am safe in saying that if this coup d'etat is suc- 
cessful, many an American home will sorrow indeed. The new con- 
federacy will be proclaimed, with Breckinridge or Davis as Presi- 
dent. 

"The day upon which this surprise is to be made is not yet settled. 
It was proposed to take place the second week in February ; but as 
the President elect will not be there then, fears are entertained of its 
complete success on that day. My opinion is, that Sunday, 3d March, 
at 3.30 in the morning, will be appointed. The date is to be decided 
this week. 

" There is a good deal of sanguine feeling of success entertained by 
the men who are to lead this attempt. One principal reason is that 
high officials in Washington — men who are a shame to the nation, 
who know the truth of what I have written, and are to be benefited 
by it — deny it strenuously, and pooh ! pooh ! it, and say that there 
is nothing in it, so as to leave the city an easy prey, and put off 
good, true men, like yourself, if they could, from doing anything 
that will render such an attempt impossible. But you have baffled 
these men a great deal. God help you to baffle these men still 
more ! If you would entirely destroy their hopes you must do more. 
Could you hear how eagerly they wish that you would do no more, 
(for everything already done is weighed and calculated so that they 
may overcome it by their suddenness,) you would not rely upon a few 
I'Undred troops and a tampered militia to keep back these men from 
placing a black page of dishonor in our country's history. 

" What more to do ? Pei mit me to write — 

"1. To proclaim martial law immediately in the Districtof Columbia. 

"2. To make every official in Washington publicly, and with great 
solemnity, take again the oath of allegiance to the United States ; 
those who refuse or wince should be dismissed at once, and note taken 
of them. 

" 3. To do the same with the militia of the District. 
4. To call for 30,000 or 50,000 men at once from the northern 



«<. 



76 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

States to occupy Washington till the next administration is thoroughly 
installed. The elite of the northern militia will respond. Then, and ■ 
not till then, will the attack he hopelessly given up. 

"5. Through Governor Hicks, of Maryland, get Baltimore special 
police appointed, and have militia ready for any emergency. 

''These are extreme measures, particularly the first and fourth. But 
I assure you, general, that they are necessary in this moment of peril, 
and I would to God that I could convince you of their importance. I 
know what apathy you have to contend with in high places in Wash- 
ington, but that is a part of the scheme. I know many civic men say 
that such measures are unnecessary, hut they have private reasons for 
inaction. Do not let them deter you. Run not the imminent risk of 
subverting this government, and bringing eternal disgrace upon the 
nation. What you have done still tempts a conflict, and the measures 
proposed, adopted quickly and simultaneously, can only break the mad 
intention. 

"At some risk I have done my duty to communicate the subject-mat- 
ter of this note so that you might take proper action. The note of 
Friday might have been sufficient ; but as the attempt is considered 
impossible by so many, I thought, for your special benefit, it was 
better to write again more fully. 

" I am, very respectfully, your obedient servant, 

"J. H. 
Major General Scott, Washington." 



(i 



The Witness. I have a great many letters here, some which I 
had received a day or two before I was here last ; and as many more 
which I have received since. 1 do not know whether to present them 
or not. They all bear mere or less upon the subject. They are at 
the service of the committee if they are deemed important. 

By the Chairman : 
.. Question. Are they substantially of the same general tenor as the 
others? 

Answer. Of the same general tenor. They are dated at different 
places. You have a New York letter and a Nashville letter. Here 
is a letter from West River, Maryland ; a letter from St. Louis ; a 
letter from New York, dated January 28, in relation to the danger 
of the Capitol. 

Question. Is that New York letter from the same writer as the 
other '? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have no other letter from that person. Here 
is a letter from Virginia, to the effect that the mass of the people 
of Virginia are loyal ; but that vigilance should not be relaxed at the 
Capitol. Signed by initials, not by a full name. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Are any of these letters signed by the names of the 
writers? 

Answer. A few. Here is a letter from New York, from a person 
who signs himself " A Patriot." It is rather long, and contains very 



IN THE DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA. 77 

much the same kind of information, some conjectures, and some asser- 
tions of facts apparently within the knowledge of the writer. 

Question. Are any of them signed by names that you know to be 
genuine? 

Answer. I do not know a single name ; I have only ascertained 
since I was here that the name of the New York letter first read here 
to-day is genuine. 

Question. Those you now have are all of the same general tenor as 
the other letters ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; the two that I sent to Baltimore are very specific, 
and give many details ; indeed they give the names of persons and 
leaders. 

Question. Have they genuine names signed to them? 

Answer. I cannot say ; I sent them off as soon as I read them. 

Mr. Branch. I suppose it is hardly necessary to spread the balance 
of these letters upon the record. 

The Witness. They are from very different quarters ; from Reading, 
Pennsylvania; from New York; and from Baltimoie, among other 
places. 

The Chairman. I think the statement that the witness has these 
letters, and that they are generally upon the same subject, and are of 
the same purport as the others, might go on the record, but nothing 
further, unless the witness deems it important. I do not see any good 
purpose that could be subserved by printing them in our minutes, 
unless some question should be raised about them. 

The Witness. Here is an anonymous letter I received yesterday ; 
and here is another in reference to a plan to poison the artillery horses 
at this place ; two or three threats to kill myself, which I do not think 
much of. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. What is the date of the letter from the governor of a 
State from which you just read a sentence ? 

Answer. It is dated January 31, 1861, the very day I was last here 
before the committee. 

Mr. Branch. I would state to the committee that I would like to 
ask the general for the name of that governor. 

The Witness. When I was before the committee in the first instance, 
I hesitated about giving the name ; I did not reflect that that letter 
was written to me for the eye of the Executive ; that in fact it ought 
to have been addressed to the Executive. It must have been addressed 
to me as a mere matter of convenience — to me as the agent and 
subordinate of the Executive. And since that reflection, I have come 
to the conclusion that it might be very improper for me to give up 
the letter. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You consider it rather Mr. Buchanan's letter than your 
own? 

Answer. It is a letter that belongs rather to the Executive than 



78 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

myself. It is written to me as an agent or a subordinate of the Execu- 
tive ; therefore I do not feel myself at liberty to give it up. 

Mr. Branch. I will defer to the general's discretion in the matter. 
If he thinks it would be improper to give it up, i will not press it. 

The Witness. When I was here before I stated that I bad received 
but two letters from the governor to which I refer. I believed I had 
received but two then; but I have received one since; making three 
in all. I have consulted with one individual only, not the President, 
a very eminent lawyer and statesman, and he crave me the view of 
this subject which I have stated, and I concurred with him — I mean 
in reference to giving up this letter of the governor of a State. If the 
committee had insisted upon it before, I should have asked the Presi- 
dent's permission. But as it was not insisted upon, I have not asked 
his permission yet. 

By Mr. Branch: 

Question. Was it the letter from which you read the extract this 
morning which you say you have received since you were here before? 

Answer. It was dated January 31, and I find now that I was here 
on that day. Consequently, I could not have received it when I was 
first here. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Then the statement you made about the letter at that 
time was correct? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. You had previously to that time received two from that 
same person ? . 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Uo you think the purport and meaning of those two 
letters are correctly described in the testimony you gave on the former 
occasion ? 

Answer. I think so ; I do not know any material discrepancy. 

Mr. Branch. After the statement the general has made, I will not 
press the inquiry on him, but leave it to his discretion. 

The Witness. I had thought of going to the President this morn- 
ing before coming here, but I had not time ; in case the committee 
should insist on obtaining his permission, considering myself as the 
agent — a subordinate in this matter — 1 would mention the subject to 
the President. 

Do the committee consider the two letters which I have sent to 
Baltimore of sufficient importance to be received by the committee? 
They are very specific. They are not signed by real names, 1 think. 

Mr. Branch. I think it will be well to leave that matter to the dis- 
cretion of the general. If he thinks they are of sufficient importance 
he can furnish them to the committee. 

The Chairman. (To witness.) We will leave that entirely to your 
discretion, to do as you may think best. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 7S 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. There is one question I desire to ask in reference to the 
letter from New York of the 26th of January. The writer says, re- 
ferring to the force you now have in this city — " the present men are 
not all reliable." Have you any reason to suspect the fidelity of the 
regular troops you now have here? 

Answer. Not one of them? 

Quest'on. You think them entirely reliable in the defence of the 
government? 

Answer. Entirely so. 

Question. You do not know upon what grounds this writer referred 
to them in that way ? 

Answer. I imagine he alludes to the volunteers, the militia of the 
city; I rather think so. The officers with me have no politics ; scarcely 
one of them have any party sentiments. They are all very much 
devoted to the Union. 

I have read over my recorded testimony taken by the committee of 
five, of which the Hon. Mr. Howard is chairman, appointed by the 
House of Representatives to investigate certain matters, and find the 
record substantially correct. 

WINFIELD SCOTT. 



No. 12. 

Thursday, January 31, 1861. 
William Flinn sworn and examined. 
By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you reside in this city? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You are a government officer here? 

Answer. I am the navy agent here. 

Question. Do you know of any sort of conspiracy or combination, 
secret or otherwise, that has ior its object, in any event, an attack 
upon any portion of the public property here, such as the navy yard 
or arsenal? 

Answer. Only what I have seen in the newspapers. 

Question. You have no knowledge of such a thing? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. And you have never heard any persons talk as though 
they had such information? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Or as though they had such knowledge? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Just these sensation articles? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; sensation articles in the New York papers and 
elsewhere. 

Question. Are you connected with any military company here? 



80 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATIOX 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. What are the duties of the navy agent here? 

Answer. I pay all the bills for supplies for the Washington city 
navy yard. 

Question. You are not charged at all with the protection of the 
property ? 

Answer. No. sir ; Captain F. Buchanan is commandant of the yard. 
Mr. McNerhany is the naval storekeeper. 

Question. Have you ever heard any persons say that they intended 
to seize the Capitol, or that they believed it would be seized by unlaw- 
ful means? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Or that they knew it was going to be done by others? 

Answer. Only in the newspapers. I have never heard persons con- 
nected with the administration say so. 

Question. Any other persons? 

Answer. I have heard irresponsible boys talk so. 

Question. More whiskey than men ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What are your particular duties? 

Answer. I pay the bills for supplies for the yard, the bills for travel- 
ling allowances of officers of the navy, and bills ordered by the Secre- 
tary ot the Navy. 

Question. What I mean is, were you connected with the safety of 
the yard, and have you been put on your guard? 

Answer. No, sir. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Have these articles you have observed in the newspapers 
led you to make any inquiries? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you communicated with the President, or any one, 
upon the subject, whether there was any foundation for these articles 
in the paper* ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I never called the attention of the President to 
any ai tides in the newspapers. He has been so very much engaged 
since this Congress met, that I did not intrude upon his time about 
them. 

Question. Have you communicated with him upon this subject at all ? 

Answer. I was in the President's office one day when there was an 
open audience. The President remarked upon some speculation about 
seizing the Capitol ; and I remarked to the President that I thought 
the flying artillery was about the best preventive of that. 

Question. Have you had any communication with the Secretary of 
the Navy about it? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Or with any of the constituted authorities of the city 
government ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have confined myself entirely to my business. 
I have been very busv since this Congress met. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 81 

Question. I did not know but what the rumors that you read in 
the papers might have led you to make some investigation or inquiry. 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Do you know any of the members of the National Volun- 
teers ? 

Answer. I know Dr. Boyle ; I have seen his name in the city news- 
papers in connexion with that. 

Question. What position does he hold in that organization? 

Answer. He is published in the newspapers as captain ; Dr. Boyle 
is a very respectable citizen — one of the oldest citizens in the District, 
and a property-holder. 

Question. Have you observed in the newpapers a resolution passed 
by that organization as to what they contemplated doing? 

Answer. I heard that some were published ; I did not read them. 

Question. Did you learn the purport of them ? 

Answer. I could send you the paper containing the resolutions. But 
I cannot quote from the resolutions, as I have not read them. 

Question. I did not know but what you might have learned the 
purport of the resolutions. 

Answer. I heard of them, but did not read them. 

Question. Did you learn the purport of them? 

Answer. I heard common street talk that it was their purpose, if 
the black requblican Wide-awake mobs came here from the north, to 
oppose them. 

Question. Come here when ; at any particular time? 

Answer. Previous to the inauguration. 

Question. Oppose them by force? 

Answer. If they commenced to interfere with the southern people, 
or to coerce the southern people, they would oppose them. 

Question. Was that the purport ot the resolutions? 

Answer. I do not know ; that is merely what I heard. 

Question. You had heard that they resolved to interfere if the black 
republican Wide-awakes came here? 

Answer. If they threatened to coerce the southern people — to march 
south. 

Question. Previous to the inauguration? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. I wish you would be a little more specific, if you can, as 
to what was the purport of the resolutions. 

Answer. That was only street talk. I did not hear it from any 
responsible person. A man is not bound to take street talk for au- 
thority. 

Question. Did you inquire of Dr. Boyle, or anybody, about it ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I never heard Dr. Boyle say anything upon the 
subject. 

Question. Or any member of the National Volunteers? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you heard any desire, or wish, or intention, on the 
part of anybody here, or any organization, to interfere with the inau- 
guration of Mr. Lincoln? 
Answer. No, sir. 

H. Kep. Com. 79 6 



82 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Or with any pageant that might be got up on the occa- 
sion of the inauguration? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have not. 

Question. What interference with the people here was expected or 
apprehended from the black republican Wide-awakes from the north ? 

Answer. I have not heard ot any. I oily said that if the Wide- 
awakes came lure and threatened to coerce the southern people, to go 
south. 

Question. Was there any apprehension that they would come here 
for any such purpose P 

Answer. Well, I do not understand your question 

Question. Are you aware that any apprehensions exist in this com- 
munity ? 

Answer. The only apprehensions that exist are in consequence of 
certain speeches made in the Senate and House of Representatives ; 
in the Senate by Mr. Wade and Mr. Trumbull. 

Question. And from the speeches of Mr. Wade and Mr. Trumbull 
in the Senate was it apprehended that there was any intention of the 
Wide-awakes coining here to interi'ere? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. It does not now occur to me what part of the speeches 
you refer to ; but no matter about that. Has the apprehension got 
abroad here that there is an intention with the north to come here 
and interfere with anybody's rights? 

Answer. Only from the speeches made in the Senate. 

Question. From no other source except that ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Do you apprehend that there is a determination here to 
oppose the presence of the Wide-awakes, or any other association? 

Answer No, sir. 

Question. What did you mean, then, by the apprehension that the 
black republican Wide-awakes would come here to coerce the south ? 

Answer. I supposed this would be in a southern State, if Maryland 
went out with the rest. 

Question. You supposed the black republican Wide-awakes of the 
north would come here to coerce them? 

Answer. Xot coerce them at Washington, but go south to coerce 
them. 

Question. You do not mean, then, that there was any idea they 
would come here to coerce them ? 

Answer. It is only a prospective idea. 

Question. Is there any apprehension in this community, do you 
suppose, of the presence of any organization Irom the north coming 
here to interfere with anybody in the District. 

Answer. I do not know ot* any. 

Question. What do you understand to be the purpose of this organi- 
zation it' National Volunteers? 

Answer. I do not know anything about their objects ; I did not 
attend any of their meetings ? 

Question. What did you gather from what you were informed upon 
the subject of the resolutions? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 83 

Answer. The resolutions were published. I have not read them. 
I can send you a copy of the paper containing them, and you can 
draw your own inference ? 

Question. Do not trouble yourself to do that, for we have them. I 
only wanted to know what your inference was about them, and what 
you inferred was the intention of this body of men called the National 
Volunteers in adopting such resolutions? 

Answer. They are responsible for their own resolutions. 

Quet-tion. Of course, 1 do not think that \ on are responsible for 
them at all ; I am gathering, if I can, the inference which you drew 
from the action of this body of men as manifested by their own resolu- 
tions ; that is all. 

Answer. I heard they did not say in their resolutions that they 
would resist the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. 

Question. I wanted to know what you inferred was their purpose 
in adopting those resolutions ? 

Answer. I inferred, from what I heard, that their purpose was to 
put down any outbreak here ; but what was to be the nature of the 
outbreak I cannot say. You know there has been mob rule in Balti- 
more city for several ytars, and there has been some of it here. 

Question. Did you understand the resolutions to relate to any 
anticipated outbreak in this city? 

Answer. I have not read the resolutions. 

Question. Did you infer from what you had heard of them that 
they related to any contemplated action of the corps growing out of 
a disturbance of the peace of this city ? 

Answer. I have not attended their meetings, and have not read 
the resolutions. 

Question. That is already obvious from your answers heretofore. 
I beg you to answer my question ; and that is, what was your inference 
from what has been communicated to you of the resolutions. That 
it had reference to an appreheusion of an outbreak merely against the 
peace of the city ? 

Answer. Let me hear your question agaiu. 

Question. Did you infer, from what was communicated to ) ou of the 
resolutions, that they expressed the determination of the corps merely 
to co-operate with the city authorities in keeping the peace of the city 
against mobs ? 

Answer. I think that is their object. 

Question. Such mobs as have heretofore existed here and in 
Baltimore? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You thin't that was the length and breadth of them. 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And that they contemplated nothing more? 

Answer. That is my opinion, except coercion of the south is 
attempted. 

Question. Do you think these particular mobs depended upon the 
secession of any particular State, or anything of the kind ? 

Answer. Well, I do not believe they did. 

Question. Then, if the resolutions pointed out any particular course 



84 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

of action contingent upon the secession of any State, what ground 
bail you to inter that the resolutions had reference to such mobs as 
had heretofore existed at a time when the question of secession was 
not mooted ? 

Answer. I do not understand your interrogatory. 

Question. What led you to inter that the resolutions had reference 
solely to such mobs as had heretofore existed in this city and in 
Baltimore, when the resolutions contemplated a course of action 
dependent upon the secession ot certain States? 

Answer. All I know is just from stieet talk ; I told you from the 
start that I had not attended one of their meetings ; I did not sympa- 
thize with them. 

Question. I did not inquire as to your means of information, but 
why you drew an inference ot that character from a particular state 
ot tacts. 1 asked yon why you were led to believe that they had 
reference solely to such mobs as heretofore existed in this city and 
Baltin ore, when it depended upon the secession ot particular States ? 

Answer. I told you from the start that if the Wide-awakes from the 
north came here and threatened to coerce the south, these volunteers 
would stand up for the south. I stated that. 

Question. What you and I both said heretofore I am not inquiring 
about ; but why you drew such an inference as that from the resolu- 
tions!-' 

Answer. I told you I had uot read the resolutions; that what I 
had said was on street rumors. 

Mr. Dawes. I cannot compel you, of course, to answer my question. 

The WlTKESS. 1 answered you as a gentleman, and 1 expect to be 
treated as a gentleman. 

Mr. DAWES. I will endeavor to treat you as a gentleman ; but I 
claim the right to ask such questions as 1 desire. 

The Witness. I have answered you and told you promptly all I 
know about the matter. 

Mr. DAWES. 1 want you to conform to your position as a witness. 

The WITNESS. 1 have told you all I know from hearsay. 

The Chairman here interposed, and asked to have the question 
stated to the committee. 

Air. Dawes. The question is, upon what ground he inferred that 
the contemplated action ot the Natioual Volunteers had reterence to 
such mobs as heretofore existed in this city and Baltimore, when the 
action itself depeuded upon the course that certain States should take 
in seceding. 

The WnNESS (to Mr. Dawes.'* I have told you distinctly that I had 
beard that the object ot this ^National Volunteer organization was, 
if the Wide-awakes ot the north came here and threatened the 
southern States, then they would stand up for the south. 

The CHAIRMAN. That is hard'y responsive to the question. 

The Witness. I can say no uiore. 

The Chairman. That has been repeated several times. 

The Witness. I was uot a member of the '• .National Volunteer" 
organization. I said it was mere street rumors. 

The Chairman. I understand the point of the question to be this. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 85 

and if you feel any embarrassment about making any otber answer, 
if the one you have made is not satisfactory to the member of the 
committee who put the question, I will submit to the committee 
whether it is a proper question. I understand that which prompts 
the question is this : you had stated in a general way that you sup- 
posed it was the purpose 

The Witness. 1 did not suppose anything about it. I said it was 
a mere street rumor. I never conversed with a member of that 
organization about their object or anything of the kind. 

The Chairman. If you will allow me to state the point. You had 
stated that you had interred, perhaps from what you had heard 

The Witness. I inferred nothing about it. 

Mr. Branch. The witness will allow the chairman to state what he 
means. 

The Ciiaikman. The inference that I stated was merely upon street 
talk. I do not mean to represent that you had any inference based 
upon anything other than what you stated ; there is no trouble about 
that. Your impression from street rumors and what you had heard said 
about the resolutions, which you distinctly said you had not read 

The Witness. I will correct you. I have had no impression about 
it. 

The Ciiaikman. Well, whatever you did say about it with reference 
to what you had heard said. 

The Witness. Yes, sir ; merely street rumors. 

The Chairman. You supposed that their object was to aid in keeping 
down mobs, just as mobs had been kept down heretofore in this city 
and in Baltimore? 

The Witness. Yes, sir. 

The Chairman. That was all very well. In another part of your 
examination you seemed to have the impression or inference, from 
these same street rumors, these same vague rumors, that in case the 
Wide-awake mobs came here to coerce the south the National Volun- 
teers would take part with the south. 

The Witness I said " march to the south." 

The Chairman. And the drift of the question was for you to explain 
what you meant by these two things ; having expressed your idea 
that they were to put down mobs of the ordinary character, the 
question was how these two things were to be reconciled? 

The Witness. It would be the same as a mob of Know-nothings 
heretofore. 

The Chairman. No matter who got up the mobs ; they were ordi- 
nary mobs that pertain to the city, the ordiuary rabble, and it seems 
to me that the question is proper, with a view to give you an opportu- 
nity to reconcile the two ideas 

The Witness I have answered it to the best of my ability. 

Mr. Dawes. I put the question as I am in the habit of putting 
them, and as I think I had a right to do. 

The Chairman. Perhaps this difficulty arose in part from pursu- 
ing the examination in a pretty extended way, in explanation of a 
remark that was stated to be based upon rumor. Still it strikes me 
that the question was competent in that point of view. 



86 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

The Witness. I know some of the gentlemen whose names have 
been published in connexion with these National Volunteers who are 
highly respectable gentlemen. 

The Chairman. No doubt about that. 

The Witness. And I believe as good citizens as we are. 

Mr Dawes. If the committee think the question is a proper one, 
I would like an answer to it. I do not wish to consume the time of 
the committee, nor do I wish anybody but the committee to prescribe 
such questions as I shall put. 

The Chairman. It struck me that the question itself was competent; 
and it struck me also that the disposition of the witness was to an- 
swer it ; but whether his language conveyed an answer or not is, 
perhaps, doubtful. 

The Witness. I gave all the answer I could. 

The witness was requested to retire from the room, which he did. 

After consultation on the part of the committee, the witness was 
recalled. 

The Chairman (to witness.) This whole difficulty seems to have 
arisen from a misapprehension, for I do not think there is any mem- 
ber of this committee that has the slightest fault to find with you, 
and the disposition to answer fully and fairly that you have exhibited 
from the first. We still think the question, whether susceptible of a 
full answer or not, was competent. Therefore the clerk will read 
over the question to you, and you will answer it just as fully as it 
occurs to you, or leave it as it is now, as it is not a very important 
matter any way. 

The clerk read as follows from his short-hand notes : 

" The question is, upon what ground he (the witness) inferred 
that the contemplated action of the National Volunteers bad reference 
to such mobs as heretofore existed in this city and in Baltimore, when 
the action itself is dependent upon the course that certain States should 
take in seceding ?" 

The Witness. I stated this: that if the Wide awakes came from the 
north — and of course it is common talk that the Wide-awakes were 
coming here. I do not know that they are coming ; it is only the 
common talk. 

The Chairman. All based upon rumors. 

The Witness. Rumors and sensation articles in newspapers. I 
stated that if the Wide-awakes came trom the north and threatened 
to coerce the south, and threatened to march south to coerce the 
southern States, these "National Volunteers" would stand up for the 
south. 

The Chairman. That in one case it would be one thing, and in an- 
other case it would be another thing. 

The Witnlss. Some of these National Volunteers are citizens of 
Washington, are property-holders here. I have not read the resolu- 
tions, or attended their meetings. I know of no organization that 
would interrupt the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. 

Mr. Cochrane. Do you not mean that you heard that they will 
abide by and defend the south ; and if men come from the north to 
menace them, they will attack them. 



IN THE DISTfilCr OP COLUMBIA. 87 

The Witness. Yes, sir ; that is my inference ; they will defend the 
south if attacked. 



No. 13. 

Thursday, January 31, 1861. 
Jacob Thompson sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. The single point of inquiry that we have is this : a reso- 
lution was referred to this committee last Saturday, prompted, I sup- 
pose, by those ten thousand rumors that are afloat, and which may do 
mischief, if ever so false, and which will certainly do mischief if true ; 
and the object is to get some accurate information about their falsity 
or truth, as the case may be. The single point is this : whether, from 
your long connexion with the city here, and your official position, or 
otherwise, you know of the existence of any organization that has for 
its object an attack upon any of the public property here? 

Answer. I will have to answer that question directly, that I know 
of none whatever ; and, so far as my knowledge goes, I believe there 
is none in existence. 

Question. Neither secret nor otherwise? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; so far as my knowledge extends ; of course my 
answer means secret or otherwise. 

Question. And has not been at any time during all this excitement ? 

Answer. Not to my knowledge. 

Question. Or belief? 

Answer. Or belief that such an organization was ever formed. 

Question. Did you, soon after the election, hear various persons ex- 
press themselves upon the subject of in some way or other preventing 
the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln ; and if so, how, or in what mode? 

Answer. Soon after the presidential election it was a question fre- 
quently discussed by individuals in my presence, in which discussions 
I participated, as to the mode by which the inauguration of Mr. Lin- 
coln could be defeated, or, in other words, how the rights of the south 
could be maintained in the Union. Some proposed that it should be 
done through the agency of Congress, by refusing to count the votes, 
or by the refusal of the Senate to meet the House of Representatives 
to count the votes for President and Vice-President. These were 
mere discussions. I heard some discussion as to organizing a force 
by which his inauguration could be prevented. As soon, however, as 
the States separately took up the subject and began to ast, and some 
of them actually seceded, these modes of defeasing the inauguration 
of Mr. Lincoln, and all modes of using violence in the matter, have, 
so far as 1 know, ceased to be subjects of discussion. I do not believe 
that force is contemplated, or that either house of Congress contem- 
plates irregular action to defeat the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. 

Question. Or that it would be likely to be interrupted by any force 
from outside ? 



88 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION. 

Answer. Or that any force is contemplated to be brought upon the 
city. 

Question. Either in counting the votes or in the inauguration ? 

Answer. In neither. 

Question. I might ask you whether you had any apprehension that, 
from States or otherwise, there was any danger to the arsenal here, 
including the arms ? They are a kind of public property that is. per- 
haps, somewhat peculiar, and things that they might want to use. 
You include the navy yard and the arsenal in your answer to my first 
question ? 

Answer. I do not know of any contemplated violence, nor do I ap- 
prehend that any will be made, either against the navy yard, arsenal, 
or Capitol. 

Question. Or any of the public buildings ? 

Answer. Or any of the public buildings. 

Question. Or the peace of the city of Washington ? 

Answer. I do not believe the peace of the city is now, or will be en- 
dangered, except from rowdies into whose hands arms may be placed 
by the authorities. 

Question. You have heard, doubtless, at least you have read in the 
newspapers, probably, about an organization called the " K. G. C," 
or Knights of the Golden Circle? 

Answer. I know it through the newspapers. 

Question. Have you any knowledge as to whether that organiza- 
tion lias an existence in this city ? 

Answer. No, sir ; nor have I any knowledge of its existence any- 
where, except through the papers. 

J. THOMPSON. 



No. 14. 

Thursday, January 31, 1861. 
Charles P. Stone sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you reside in this city ? 

Answer. I do. 

Question. Are you connected with the army in any way ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have resigned from the army. 

Question. You were formerly an army officer? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Are you at present charged with some duties touching 
the organization of the militia of this city ? 

Answer. I have recently been appointed inspector general of the 
militia. 

Question. In your capacity as inspector general, or as a citizen, or 
otherwise, have "you acquired any knowledge touching any organiza- 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 89 

tion in this city that has for its object an attack upon any of the public 
property or the peace of the city ? 

Answer. I have had a vast number of intimations brought to me. 

Question. I will confine the first question to actual personal knowl- 
edge of the existence of any organization? 

Answer. Which I know to have for its object or intention the 
troubling the public property here? 

Question. Yes, sir. 

Answer. I have no personal knowledge of any organization whose 
object I know to be the seizure of the public property or the disturb- 
ance of the public peace. 

Question. Will you state generally what you mean by having re- 
ceived intimations ? 

Answer. Remarks made to me by various gentlemen, information 
brought to me from a great number of sources, and some written com- 
munications which have been made to me. 

Question. Are those written communications anonymous? 

Answer. Some of them I have known from whom they came ; there 
are some anonymous. 

Question. That is, if the name was not attached to the letter, you 
knew from whom it came ? 

Answer. Yes, sir, I had means of knowing. 

Question. Were they generally from persons whom you knew and 
had confidence in ? 

Answer. I have had them from those I knew and had confidence 
in, and I have had them from those I knew nothing about, and knew 
nothing of their credibility. I might state here, in order to save the 
time ot the committee, that I believe every material fact that has come 
to my knowledge has been communicated to General Scott; and you 
will probably have before you, in the examination of General Scott, 
all the information that I can give the committee. 

Question. Then you can give no information to the committee 
touching these intimations, as you call them — and perhaps that is the 
best word — beyond what you have communicated to General Scott? 

Answer. Everything that I have conceived to be material 1 have 
communicated to General Scott. 

Question. As my first question related to your positive knowledge 
in reference to an organization, and as this is an inquiry rather than 
a demonstration of fact, perhaps it would be proper to ask you whether 
all these intimations taken together have produced any decided belief 
in your mind that such an organization does or does not exist ? State 
what your belief is. 

Answer. The effect produced on my mind, after all that I have heard, 
is, that it would certainly be the part of a prudent government to 
take precautionary measures to protect its public buildings, its ar- 
chives, seals, &c. 

Question. You have some knowledge, I suppose, of a military com- 
pany here called the National Volunteers? 

Answer. As I understand it, it is hardly a military company. I 
know of an organization called the National Volunteers, and I have 
heard a great deal about them. 



90 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Will you explain what you mean by saying that they 
are hardly a military company ? Do they not drill and have arms? 

Answer. I have no information that they have arms. That they 
drill, I am informed ; of my own knowledge, I do not know even that. 
I have received intimations that they have drill officers appointed for 
them. 

Question. If it is hardly a military organization, what do you un- 
derstand it to be ? 

Answer. I have understood that it was originally a political organi- 
zation. I have understood, also, that its character has been attempted 
to be changed, at least by some of its members, and perhaps rather a 
more military tone given to it than it formerly had. 

Question. In view of the troubled state of the country? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. It was originally, according to your view, a political 
organization ? 

Answer. As I have been informed. 

Question. According to your information, it was originally a politi- 
cal organization, perhaps something of the nature of the Wide- 
awakes. 

Answer. Yes, sir, that was my conception of it. 

Question. I do not mean that they sympathized with the Wide- 
awakes at all. 

Answer. No, sir ; but an association for similar purposes. 

Question. In your allusion to a recent attempt to make it more 
properly a military organization, or to give it a more military 
character, did you base your remark upon what has appeared in the 
papers in regard to the resolutions of the association? 

Answer. No, sir ; I based it upon information brought to me by 
individuals. 

Question. Can you state what the extent of this information is, or 
rather to what extent they have sought to make it a military organi- 
zation ? 

Answer. I have been informed that they have appointed what are 
called drill sergeants ; I have been informed also that they have tried 
to procure arms ; I have been informed that a gentleman in this 
District had agreed to procure arms for them. 

Question. Have you been informed that they entertained purposes 
of hostility towards this government in any shape? 

Answer. I have been so informed ; yes, sir, under certain circum- 
stances. 

Question. What were those circumstances ? 

Answer. I have heard various statements. It has been stated to 
me that they would, for instance, in case of an opportunity, oppose 
the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. 

Question. What are your sources of information? 

Answer. I suppose the committee requested me to state all I had 
heard about it. I have not heard that in such a distinct manner, 
and from such a source as would do anything more than make me 
attempt to take a slight precaution against it. I do not consider it 
as entirely reliable information. 



IN THE DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA. 91 

Question. Very vague. 

Answer. Very vague, indeed ; exceedingly vague. 

Question. Have you read in the papers what purported to be resolu- 
tions passed by this company? 

Answer. I have. 

Question. Have you read them with some attention? 

Answer. At the time I did. 

Question. Did you attach any importance to them, putting them 
with all that you knew and had heard about them? 

Answer The most T have heard has been since that time. 

Question. And you considered vague whatever information you had 
received about their entertaining hostile purposes towards the govern- 
ment or the peace of the city ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I have been informed that it has been asserted 
in one of the meetings of that association that there were in this town 
some 1,500 men who could be depended upon to take this city. Of 
that much I have been informed. 

Question. You have been informed that that was asserted in their 
meeting? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Can you give the date of that meeting? 

Answer. I cannot. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. What is the name of the individual making that asser- 
tion ? 

Answer. It came second-hand to me. 

Question. Who told you? 

Answer. The person who gave me the information that that asser- 
tion was made was Mr. Hanscom. 

Question. A newspaper writer here ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Did he tell you his authority? 

Answer. He did not give his authority. 

Question. Did Mr. Hanscom inform you that he had been in the 
meeting and heard the assertion made himselt? 

Answer No, sir. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Have you any other knowledge or information touching 
this company that, so far as you can judge, it is important to commu- 
nicate to this committee? 

Answer. I think I have stated the most important matters that I 
have heard in relation to the organization — the most distinct points. 
I have had, I presume, a hundred communications made to me con- 
cerning the organization. But those that I have stated were the 
most distinct points. As I understand it, your inquiry only refers 
to the organization in the District of Columbia. 

Mr. BRANcn. We desire also information of any other organization 
outside of the National Volunteers having for its object hostility to 
the government. 



92 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

The Chairman. It is equally as important that we should know in 
regard to any other organization, civil or military. 

Question. Communicate any information that you have which you 
deem important touching any organization. 

Answer. I have heard that arms were promised to this organization 
by a connexion of Governor Wise, of Virginia. 

Question. A member of the company? 

Answer. He has been stated to me as connected with the organiza- 
tion. 

Question. Do you get this information from what you deem a 
reliable source ? 

Answer. That, like most of the information I have received, came 
second or third hand to me. And in all these matters I conceived it 
exceedingly dilficult to place reliance upon the reports that come to 
one's ears. 

Question. Will you state who that person was? 

Answer. He was stated to be Dr. Garnett, of this city. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Did Dr. Garnett inform you of that? 

Answer. No, sir ; I was informed, second or third hand, that Dr. 
Garnett, the son-in-law of Governor Wise, agreed to furnish arms to 
them. That is the way it comes to me ; the same as the other rumors 
came. I never placed much reliance upon any of these rumors. 

CHAS. P. STONE. 



No. 15. 

Thursday, January 31, 1861. 
Benjamin Berry sworn and examined. 
By the Chairman : 

Question. Where do you reside? 

Answer. In Montgomery county, Maryland, about thirteen miles 
from here. 

Question. Are you pretty extensively acquainted here in this city? 

Answer. I know a great many persons ; I cannot say I am very 
extensively acquainted. 

Question. Do you know of any organization in existence in this city 
having for its object any depredation or attack upon any of the public 
property of the United States here? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Or in any way interfering with the operations of Con- 
gress, or the peace of the city ? 

Answer. Not at all. 

Question. You have no knowledge upon the subject ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I know nothing, or very little, about the organ- 
izations in Washington? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 93 

Question. You are the captain of a military company in the place 
where you are resident? 

Answer. I have heen elected captain. 

Question. A company has been regularly organized there? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And it is organized under the regular laws of Maryland? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. A company the members of which hold themselves in 
readiness to report to the governor or the authorities of Maryland ? 

Answer. That will depend upon circumstances. We are not liable 
to the call of the governor at present, of course, under some circum- 
stances. 

Question. If you obtain arms at the public expense, you would get 
them from Maryland ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Is your company an infantry company? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; we could raise a much larger number of men, 
and equip them at less expense, as an infantry company than as cav- 
alry. 

Question. What were the main objects in organizing the company? 

Answer. To protect the interests of slaveholders generally. 

Question. At home? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and abroad, if necessary. 

Question. Had it any sort of reference, so far as you know, to any 
attack upon this city ? 

Answer. No, sir ; not in its organization. We took Crittenden's 
resolutions as a basis. They were rejected in Congress, and I do not 
know what is relied upon now ; the country is in such a disturbed 
condition, waiting for the Congress to do something. The expectation 
of the whole of Maryland is centred here now upon the conservative 
spirit of Congress. If they do not do something for them, Heaven 
only knows where it will end. 

Question. You have stated very broadly that your company had no 
connexion with any organization here? 

Answer. None that I know of. 

Question. But, as a matter of sentiment, they adopted the Critten- 
den resolutions? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; we were satisfied with that, and took it as an 
ultimatum. 

Question. Have they, by any formal action — by the vote of the 
officers or signers — indicated what they would do in case secession 
were to become general ? 

Answer. They are subject to the orders and command of their 
officers altogether. They look to me for information, and, I believe, 
as far as I can ascertain, are at my bidding. 

Question. Did you apprehend any peculiar danger to the interests 
of slaveholders in Maryland at this time? 

Answer. We not only apprehended it, but we feel its consequences 
very seriously in the great depreciation of negro property and real 
estate. I consider that I am worth $10,000 less to-day than I was 
this day twelve months ago. 



94 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Owing to the depreciation of property? 

Answer. Yea, sir. 

Question. And you attribute this depreciation mainly to political 
excitement? 

Answer. Yes sir; to Mr. Lincoln's election, I think, and the ac- 
tion the south lias taken in the matter. I think there is not the least 
doubt that Maryland will go with the south. 

Question. That is, if a separation takes place? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Reynolds : 

Question. You stated that you had taken the Crittenden resolutions 
as an ultimatum. I do not understand exactly what you mean by 
that. 

Answer. I will explain with pleasure. I think that Maryland 
would go for the Crittenden resolutions — would indorse them — take 
thrtn as a compromise. She is anxious and willing tor a compromise, 
being a conservative State. I think it would have been very gratify- 
ing to lur to have effected a compromise on the basis of those resolu- 
tions, 80 far as I have been able to judge and ascertain the feeling of 
her people. I am a native of Prince George's county, the largest 
slaveholding county in the State, and I know the sentiments and feel- 
ings of the people there. I have numerous relatives living there, 
slaveholders — large property-holders — some of them worth as high as 
$500,000. I know their feelings, have lived among them, and was 
raised among them. 

Question. It was with reference to your own action, as commander 
of this company, that 1 asked. Suppose the Crittenden resolutions 
should not be adopted by Congress, what then? 

Answer. 1 do not know. 1 am ready to act with Maryland. If 
they should not be adopted, I should act with the slaveholders, with 
Maryland. 

Question. Is your company organized in view of that contingency? 

Answer. In view of any contingency that might arise, when the 
day of compromise is past, if there is no compromise to secure such 
rights as should be secured to us. 

Question. Then your company is organized for the purpose of main- 
taining those rights? 

Answer. Certainly; unquestionably. 

Question. At all hazards? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Has your company ever contemplated, in that contin- 
gency, an assault upon this city ? 

Auswer. They are looking to the conservatism of Congress for a 
compromise. The people are very anxious, indeed, to know w r hat 
Congress are doing. They look hopefully to Congress, as if it was the 
last hope ; and I believe the majority of the people of Maryland would 
be perfectly desperate if nothing is done for them. 

Questiou. That is not exactly the point I desired information about, 
hut the action of your military organization, in the contingency that 
Congress does not agree with you on that question ; whether your or- 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 95 

ganization contemplates, in any contigency, any action against this 
Capitol ? 

Answer. Not that I am aware of, as yet ; prospectively, I cannot 
say. I only speak for the present. For the present there is no such 
thing in contemplation, to my knowledge. I am a Union-loving man 
myself; I would go as far as any one else for the Union — as far as my 
representative here, Colonel Hughes, to save the Union. I had quite 
a long conversation with him yesterday He knows the feelings of 
the people in the section from which I come. 

Question. Then, you say distinctly that this organization is not got 
up with any view, in any contingency, to make any assault upon tin: 
capital, or to join in any assault upon the capital? 

Answer. I cannot say in any contingency ; I merely wish to speak 
for the present. I wish to he distinctly understood upon that point. 
I say that at present there is no such thing in contemplation. If 
Maryland and Virginia go witli the south, I do not know what may 
arise between now and the 4th of March. I feel hound to act with 
the south and southern interests. I do not know that there is any- 
thing in contemplation. I am sure I will not be a mover of anything 
of the kind. I will merely go with the tide. 

Question. Has your company arms? 

Answer. No, sir, not yet. I should have gone over to Annapolis 
yesterday if I had not been summoned here. 

Question. How long has this company been organized? 

Answer. About a month — three or four weeks. 

Question. At whose suggestion was the organization got up? 

Answer. I think I can take the credit or discredit, as the case may 
be, of suggesting the idea. My company was not the first company 
organized. It was after numerous companies had heen organized, 
not only throughout Prince George's, but other counties. It is as 
young a company as I know of in the county in which I reside 

Question. Do I understand you to say that it was got up on your 
own motion, or did any gentleman suggest to you the propriety of 
organizing it? 

Answer. I talked with gentlemen in the neighborhood. I thought 
we ought to have a company to act as a home guard, and to meet any 
emergency that might arise. I did not like other districts to get the 
start of my own district ; and with that view I undertook to organize 
the company. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. I understand you to say that whatever your company 
may ultimately do, it is not got up especially with reference to making 
any attack upon this Capitol at all ? 

Answer. Certainly not. 

Question. Got up for purposes of home defence against John Brown 
raids, or whatever else may arise ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; that is all. 

Question. Under the code of Maryland, if you get arms from the 
State, you are subject to the order of the governor, are you not? 

Answer - Yes, sir ; under ordinary circumstances we are subject to 



96 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION. 

the order of the governor of Maryland, provided the governor of Mary- 
land is not overridden by the popular teeling. 

Question. I mean according to the code of laws of Maryland. 

Answer. Yes, sir ; according to the code. But the people of Mary- 
land are holding their district meetings, and urging upon the governor 
the necessity of an extra session of the legislature. Notwithstanding 
the governor may not sanction the call ot the legislature, still it can 
be done by the voice of the people, who can override the governor. I 
think that is now going on in the lower counties. 

Question. If your company accept arms from the State, I suppose 
you accept them with the knowledge that you come under the provi- 
sions of the code, unless they are subsequently repealed ? 

Answer. We can accept arms from the State and not be obliged to 
fight against our feelings and consciences, because that would be too 
arbitrary. I am a tax-payer myself, and have been for a number of 
years, and I help to support the State, and therefore I can receive 
arms and not feel any compunctions ot conscience in dissenting from 
the governor. 

Question. Those who choose to remain members of the company 
after receiving the governor's orders are bound to obey him, according 
to the code of law as it now exists ; they can, of course, by withdraw- 
ing from the company, free themselves from that? 

Answer. They can make known to the governor their opinions, if 
he orders them to do what is not according to their feelings and views. 
The captain and officers generally can throw up their commissions. 

By Mr. Reynolds : 

Question. In that view, would you keep the arms? 
Answer. Yes, sir ; we give security to the State for the arms, of 
course. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Is Governor Hicks regarded, in your section, as hostile 
to the Union ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I think not. 

Question. He is generally regarded there, by your company and 
by others, as a friend of the Union and a friend of the existing gov- 
ernment? 

Answer. There is a conflict of opinion there. My district is largely 
democratic. There are upwards of 700 votes polled there, and at the 
last election there were only forty of them — and that was owing to 
Mr. Blair's influence — cast in favor of Mr. Lincoln. The Bell and 
Everett men, the Union men, I believe, coalesced pretty generally 
with the Democrats. You had a gentleman here yesterday, Mr. 
Hicks, who was a strong Bell and Everett man. 

BENJAMIN BERRY. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 97 

No. 16. 

Friday, February 1, 1861. 
Enoch Louis Lowe sworn and examined : 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Are you native of Maryland? 

Answer. I was born in Frederick county, Maryland. 

Question. Have you always lived in Maryland? 

Answer. Yes, sir : all my life, with the exception of six years that 
I spent in Europe ; I was educated in Europe. 

Question. You are. therefore, very well acquainted in Maryland? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I know the people of Maryland thoroughly. 

Question. Are you also well acquainted in this District ? 

Answer. I cannot say that my acquaintance here is very general ; 
I know a great many people here, but I am not acquainted with the 
great buik of the population here ; but I have canvassed Maryland 
four or five times, and I know the people in all the counties, perhaps, 
as well as any man in Maryland. 

Question. Will you state whether you know of any organization in 
this District that has for its object the taking or holding any of the 
public property here as against the United States? 

Answer. I do not, except public rumors. 

Question. These sensation articles in the press? 

Answer. Simply those ; nothing more than what you have seen 
yourself in the public papers and general hotel talk ; I do not con- 
sider public rumor to be any knowledge. 

Question. The question was designed to be limited to your own 
knowledge. 

Answer. I do not know of any such organization. 

Question. Do you know of the existence of any such organization, 
secret or open, civil or military, whose object is to do such a thing in 
any contingency ; for instance, in the contingency of the secession of 
Virginia and Maryland? 

Answer. I know of no such organization ; but I will say this, that 
I have not the slightest doubt that if Maryland does secede she will 
claim her rights here, and I will advocate them. 

Question. So far as the possession of the District is concerned? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; peaceably if possible, forcibly only as a last re- 
sort; that is, provided Maryland shall resume her State sovereignty. I 
piesume that then she will claim all the rights she is entitled to ; but 
not by secret conspiracy, hut by open and manly action. This is only 
my opinion ; I have no authority to speak for her people. 

Question. Do you include among those rights the possession of the 
public property in this District? 

Answer. I think that is a matter for negotiation in the event of a 
dissolution of the Union ; I think by the fact of dissolution, and the 
fact of Maryland's separate secession, if that should ever take place, 

H. Rep. Com. 79 1 



98 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

then, as a matter of course, by the common law, the District would re- 
vert to Maryland 

Question. That is, the jurisdiction would revert to her? 
Answer 01' course; the public buildings on the soil, the improve- 
ments made by the United States, would he a matter of negotiation ; 
hut understand me to say distinctly that I know of no organization, 
no purpose, no design, no combination whatever, existing at this time, 
either for the present or the future, witli any object of that kind ; I 
only express my opinion as to what would, in all probability, be the 
course of Maryland if she assumed the position that has been assumed 
by other States. That is merely my opinion. 

Question. By way of understanding what you mean to say is your 
opinion, would you limit any resumption of rights on the part of 
Maryland by political action, as secession for instance, to political 
rights touching the jurisdiction of the territory formerly ceded to the 
United States ; or would you extend it to such property as the United 
States now own the fee of, and have erected buildings upon ? 

Answer. In the first place, I want it understood that my answers to 
these questions are voluntary, because I do not recognize the authority 
of this committee to propound inquisitorial questions to me in regard 
to my opinions ; therefore any answer I may give is to be construed as 
a voluntary answer, simply to prevent the possibility of a suspicion 
-that I would conceal any opinion I entertain. 

Question. My last question, if I made myself understood, related 
her to an explanation of your answer to a former question than 
otherwise. 

Answer. Well, sir, I do not know what course Maryland would 
pursue in any contingency. I am not authorized to speak for her, 
and she has not been allowed to speak tor herself by her constituted 
authorities. When she does speak for herself I, as a loyal citizen, 
•will be governed by her voice. I suppose the State of Maryland, in 
the event of her secession, as a matter of course, would claim the 
reversion of the District, which was granted to the United States for 
specific purposes, which purposes would then have failed. As to her 
then claiming, by virtue of that reversion, an absolute interest in all 
■the public buildings here, paid for out of the common fund of the 
Union, I would say emphatically that she is too honorable for that. 
I do not presume any other State would do so. I am not aware that 
any seceding State has done so. I only speak of my opinion of the 
honor and integrity of my section. I think that is sufficiently distinct. 
1 wish it also to he inserted in the recoru that this is not to be con- 
strued as indicating, on my part, an opinion of any present purpose 
on the part of Maryland to secede. I have no idea there is any opin- 
ion in the minds of the people, or any desire, at this time, for seces- 
sion. I am not, at this time, an advocate for secession On the 
contrary, I am opposed to it if a peaceable and honorable adjustment 
can he obtained. I only speak of the contingency which you sub- 
mitted to my consideration. My position is so well known in Mary- 
land, by my publications and speeches, that I suppose it is almost 
impossible, even if a mistake was made in this record, for the public 
at home not to understand me. And I will say, in that connexion, 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 09 

that I believe whatever course is pursued by Virginia will be concurred 
in by Maryland. No power can separate Maryland from Virginia. 

Question. Have you ever been sent to this city on the part of any 
meeting;, or any considerable number of the citizens of Maryland, in 
connexion with other gentlemen, as a committee to consult with any 
person or persons about taking any of the public property here by 
force in any contingency? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. You say you never have come as one of a committee for 
that purpose ; have you ever as an individual? 

Answer. No, sir ; in no manner whatever. I am aware that the 
false rumors upon which this last question is based, grew out of an 
accidental circumstance, which was this : the electors of the State of 
Maryland met at Annapolis for the purpose of casting the electoral 
vote of Maryland, and several of them, desiring to be presented to 
Mr. Breckinridge, for whom they had voted, intimated a wish that I 
would accompany them to this city to introduce them. I came for 
that purpose. Whilst here we held an informal meeting, finding a 
number of eminent men from Maryland here, at the National Hotel, 
I think, for the purpose of consulting in regard to the most efficient 
means of obtaining from Governor Hides a call for the convening of 
the legislature, through the instrumentality of county conventions, 
and to make arrangements for calling those conventions. It was 
altogether an informal, accidental meeting, and that was ils side 
purpose. That purpose was carried out, which Governor Hicks totally 
disregarded. The purpose was to give the people of Maryland an 
opportunity to speak for themselves, and I will say here that they 
will do that either with or without his permission. I heard shortly 
after this meeting was held here that the character indicated by your 
question had been given to it. It was totally untrue in every respect. 
The meeting was held with open doors, and several gentlemen whom 
I did not know came in during the course of the evening ; and gen- 
tlemen very frequently expressed their personal opinions as to what 
Maryland ought to do in certain cases. We were all, I think, unani- 
mous (and I am now of the opinion) that Maryland ought to secede 
whenever Virginia does ; and I have said so to my people, though I 
hope most earnestly that an occasion or necessity for it never may 
arise. 

And now let me say, gentlemen, that there is a feeling throughout 
the whole body of the people of Maryland, as indicated not merely by 
the public expressions of her public men, by the resolutions of public 
meetings and conventions in the counties, one of which is reported in 
the Baltimore Sun of this morning, but also by the indignant denun- 
ciations uttered by the masses of her people, that this whole report in 
reference to a combination on the part of her citizens to seize the 
Capitol and prevent the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln is a premeditated 
and scandalous libel upon the honor of our State, in which opinion I 
fully concur ; that it has been gotten up within the State of Maryland 
for ulterior purposes, affecting her interests and her destiny. Here, 
in the Baltimore Sun of this morning, is the report of a meeting in 
Prince George's county, and here is a synopsis of their resolutions, 



100 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

one of which is " denouncing Governor Hicks's representations that 
the people oi Ihe state intended to seize the district by force." Here 
is a denunciation by one county in which the whole State coincides. 
Our beliei is thai it is o pretext for the purpose of gathering an armed 
force in the city oi Washington, not lor the protection oi Mr. Lincoln, 
but to overawe the people oi Maryland hereafter ; another purpose is, 
as we believe, to create a panic among the timid portion oi the people 
oi Maryland, and therehy induce them to sustain the policy oi refusing 
the privilege to her people of being heard at the ballot-box in this 
crisis. 

Ami I will >ay further in that connexion that 1 have never heard 
oi any single, solitary individual in all Maryland, up to this hour, 
who has asserted as a fact, and not simply rumor, that there was any 
such organization lor any such purpose, other than Governor Hicks in 
his official proclamation to tin people of the State, and which 1 hold 
in my hands. It is dated the 3d of January, L861, and in it he holds 
the following language : 

"But, mj fellow- citizens, it is my duty to tell you that the reas- 

ihling ot the legislature is wished for by many who urge it with a 

view to no such specification. 1 have been repeatedly warned by 

{arsons having the opportunity to know, and who are entitled to the 
lighest confidence, that the secession leaders in Washington have 
resolved that the border States, and especially Maryland, shall be 
precipitated into secession with the cotton States before the fourth of 
March- They have resolved to sei:-.e the federal Capitol and the public 
archives, so that they may be in a position to be acknowledged by 

eign governments as the 'United States.' and the assent of Mary- 
land is necessary, as the District of Columbia would revert to her in 
the case of a dissolution o\' the Union. It is only contemplated to 
retain it for a few years, as the wants of the southern military con- 

eracy will cause its removal further south. The plan contemplates 
forcible opposition to Mr. Lincoln's inauguration, and. consequently, 
civil war upon Maryland soil and a transfer of its horrors trom the 
States which are to provoke it." 

Now, sir. as a citii en of Maryland, who has been frequently honored 
by the public confidence, and who is well acquainted with the senti- 
ments ot her people, as an act ot justice to my native State. 1 respect- 
fully request this committee to summon Governor Hicks before them 
ami demand trom him the authority and proofs upon which he has 
made that statement. 

Question. This statement in his proclamation of the 3d of January? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and it' you will read that proclamation you will 
find that that is one of the principal reasons he addresses to the 
people to induce them to sustain his policy, and which 1 say is em- 
phatically unjust to our people, as not allowing them to settle their 

si inies for themselves. 

Question. How long ago was this informal meeting here in this 
citv which you have described? 

Answer. It was the day alter our meeting at Anuapolis to east our 
electoral votes. The law ot Congress fixes that day. I think we 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMIIIA. 101 

came over here the morning after, and it was that evening that wo 
had the meeting. 

Question. It was early in December, then ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. It was purely accidental. We met a number 
of gentlemen here — the president of our Slate senate and a number 
of other eminent gentlemen -and we thought it was a good time to 
consult together, as we were all of the same way of thinking, as to 
the best mode of inducing or compelling Governor Eicks to call our 
legislature together ; to get up county demonstrations to compel him 
to do what, we considered his duty to the people of the State. That 
was the sole purpose. There were many things said there in the way 
of private opinion relative to the ulterior course of Maryland, but 
nothing touching any arrangement or combination having for its 
purpose the subject-matter of your inquiry here, I assure you there 
is not one word of truth in it, I am satisfied. 

Question. Did these gentlemen at that i ime visit, in a body, Brown's 
Eotel? 

Answer. No, sir. This meeting was held in a large room at the 

National — I think they call it. tl club room." The hotel was very 

crowded, and we were put in that room ; some half a dozen of us 
were put there. We held the meeting in our own room. I do not 
think I have been at Brown's Hotel for two years. I have no recol- 
lection of it if I have. 1 know of no other meeting than that. That 
is the only meeting I have any knowledge of, here in Washington 
city, for that or any other purpose. 

Question. Do you know General Clark, a member of the I louse from 
Missouri? 

Answer. I have seen him, and I think I have been introduced to 
him, 1 am not certain. 15ut I can say that I have no acquaintance 
with him. 

Question. Were you in his room in this city some time about the 
first of January or the last of December? 

Answer. I have no recollection of it. 

Question. I was under the impression that his room was at Brown's 
Hotel, and I think you stated that you have not been there for some 
time. 

Answer. I have not been at Brown's Hotel, 1 cannot, say for how 
long. I always stop at the National when I am here. 1 am very 
certain that 1 was not in General Clark's room if he stops at Brown's 
Hotel. 

Question. At no time? 

Answer. I have no recollection whatever of being in it at. any time. 

Question. Do you know whether Mr. Stewart, a member of the 
House, boards at Brown's Hotel? 

Answer. When 1 was here on that occasion, 1 think he was stop- 
ping at the National. 1 saw him at the National on that occasion ; 
he was in the room with us. 

Question. When were you governor of the State of Maryland? 

Answer. I was elected in October, 1850, and inaugurated in Jan- 
uary, 1851, and served until January, 1854. Under the old constitu- 
tion the term of service of the governor was three years. Under the 



]02 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

new constitution, which went into elicit daring my term, the term of 
the governor is four years. 

Question. Can you .state whether any other ex-governor of Mary- 
land was with you on the occasion of your visit here!- 1 

Answer. Yes, sir ; Ex-Governor Philip Francis Thomas was with 
us in that room. He was there, in fact, through my instrumentality; 
at hast 1 suppose so, as I sent to invite him. 

Question, lie was recently Secretary of the Treasury? 

Answer. Yes, sir; lie was my immediate predecessor in the office 
of governor. His presence at our meeting, 1 suppose, occurred in 
this way: after 1 met Mr. Brooks on the street, who was the president 
of cur senate, 1 s,. n t someone, 1 do not remember whom, to Governor 
Thomas, who was then Commisioner of Patents here. Ho being a 
Marylander, having been governor of our State, and knowing that he 
concurred with me in opinion. 1 sent to him to request him to come 
down to our room that evening. Whether he came in pursuance of 
that invitation, or upon the invitation of others, I cannot say. But 
it is more than likely that he came in pursuance of that invitation. 
1 was myself principally instrumental in getting up that meeting. 
Upon my arrival at the National I found that several prominent 
Marylanders were there, and 1 suggested to them that the electors 
had come over for the purpose of seeing Mr. Breckinridge, and that 
as we happened to meet, we ought to have some consultation as to 
the future policy of our State. 1 know nothing of any other meeting, 
and never heard of any other. Not only w-as I not present at any 
other meeting, hut I have never heard of any other meeting in the 
city i f Washington than the one I have spoken of. 

Question. Have you any information touching any representations 
that may have been made to Governor Hicks, or any other person in 
Maryland, except this proclamation? 

Answer. None in the world. I know nothing of Governor Hicks, 
exci pt what I have seen in the press. 

Question. And you have nothing more to communicate than these 
paragraphs from Governor Hicks's proclamation? 

Answer. None at all. I have heard that in one or two other public 
communications he has made similar announcements, but 1 have not 
seen them, or is I have, they have escaped my recollection. 

Lei me say, in conclusion, that I am thoroughly acquainted with 
the people ol the State of Maryland. 1 know thousands of them per- 
sonally. 1 am intimately acquainted with nearly all her public men 
who entertain my political opinions; I am in frequent intercourse 
with them. 1 think I am well acquainted with their sentiments and 
their views, and I am perfectly confident that no organization such 
as thai refi rred to in the inquiry here has ever been contemplated by 
any responsible parties within the State. From my knowledge of the 
character ot the people oi Maryland, I believe they would despise and 

; conspiracy, being possessed oi' the moral and physical 

courage t > > vindicate their rights openly, with arms in their hands, 

ever occasion demands ; of which occasion the people of the State 

of Maryland are the exclusive judges, and which they will determine 

upon in defiance of internal or external suppression or coercion. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 103 

Question. Or in other words, if there should he any collision, their 
action will be under State authority rather than under any voluntary 
organization, secret or otherwise? 

Answer. Of course, any such action would be by and under State 
authority, that is, the authority of the people acting in convention or 
otherwise as they shall deem best ; I do not mean by submission to the 
present acting authorities of Maryland, but by the action of the people 
themselves ; not by irresponsible men in secret conspiracy. What- 
ever the people do will be openly done. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Do you think that in the event Maryland should secede, 
and in the absence of any attempt to coerce her into the Union, she 
would undertake to assert her jurisdiction over this District by force if 
necessary ? 

Answer. Really that is a question that it is impossible for any 
man to answer at this time. I am satisfied that Maryland will not, 
in any event, fail to do all in her power, first to preserve the Union 
upon the complete recognition of her constitutional rights, and only 
leave it in company with Virginia and the other southern States, and 
then peaceably if possible. If she leaves it, I have no doubt she will 
assert all legal claims with moderation, but with courage and unalter- 
able firmness of purpose. 

E. LOUIS LOWE. 



No. 17. 

Friday, February 1, 1861. 

Cornelius Boyle sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You are an old resident of this city, are you not? 

Answer. I was born in Washington. 

Question. And have resiled here ever since? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question Are you a practicing physician here? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Your acquaintance here, then, is very extensive? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And you have as good means of knowing what is going 
on here among the citizens of Washington as anybody ? 

Answer. I have every opportunity, I think. My acquaintanca is 
large, and I move about a great deal. 

Question. You know all the old citizens proper here? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; almost every one. 

Question. Do you know of any organization in this city, either 
secret or otherwise, that has for its object any hostilities towards the 
government property here ? 



104 ALLEGED HOSTILE OKGAN1ZATION 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Or against the peace of the city? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Do you know of any such organization that lias for its 
object to do that in any future contingency whatever? 

Anssver. I do not. 

Question. Do you know of any considerable number of individuals 
here unorganized that have any such purpose? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Do you believe that any such organization exists? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. So far as you know, is there any purpose, on the part of 
anybody, to seize violently either the navy yard, arsenal, Capitol, or 
any of the executive buildings in this city? 

Answer. I think not. I have never seen anything more about it 
than you have, such as sensation articles in the newspapers. 

Question. You have no information about it more than what ap- 
pears in these sensation articles? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you ever heard anybody here ever threaten to do 
that ? 

Answer. I never have. I have heard people say, "Damn the gov- 
ernment ! it ought to be blown up !" — people on the street. I do not 
remember who they were, as I paid no attention to them. I was in 
Brown's one night, and I heard three or four persons there, from dif- 
ferent sections, talking on the state of the country, and one said : 
" Damn the government ! it ought to be blown up !" 

Question. You paid no attention to it? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. It made no impression upon you as being for any such 
purpose ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Are you acqua : nted with an organization here called the 
National Volunteers? 

Answer. I am. 

Question. Is it a political or military company? 

Answer. A military company, without arms. 

Question. They have never received their arms? 

Answer. No, sir ; they have never applied for them. 

Question. Was it originally organized as a political or military 
company? 

Answer. Political and military. 

Question. Was it a set-off to the Wide-awakes, in ». political sense? 

Answer. It was organized, in the first place, for the purpose of 
making a military company of friends, and at the same time to make 
a democratic organization in the different wards of the city, for the 
purposes of our local elections. 

Question. Are you a member of it ? 

Answer. I am. 

Question. So far as you know, from all your connexion with it, in 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 105 

its meetings, and your intercourse with its members, do you believe 
that there is auy unlawful purpose whatever entertained? 

Answer. I know there is not. 

Question. Are you an active member? 

Answer. I am the senior officer. 

Question. It is composed largely of citizens here who are property 
holders ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I do not know how many members there are. 
The financial secretary could tell that. 

Question. About how many ? 

Answer. I think on the original roll there were between 250 and 
280 names. That is my impression, but I will not swear to it posi- 
tively. The financial secretary could give you the names of every 
one It is not a secret organization ; we never had a secret meeting. 

Question. It is nothing more nor less than a military company? 

Answer. Nothing more. The constitution was drafted by a mili- 
tary gentleman in one of the departments ; so I was informed. 

Question. Then you know of no association here that has any such 
purpose? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Or any individuals who have any such purpose? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Did you see a resolution published in the papers that 
purported to be passed by this company or organization at one of their 
meetings a few days or weeks ago ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I presented them. I was the chairman of the 
committee that reported them. 

Question. What was the drift of them? 

Answer. I have them here in my pocket. [Producing them.] 

Question. Then it is an error, so far as Mr. Washington being the 
author of them ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I could not see well to read them, the gas-light 
was so high up ; and I asked him, as he was on the committee, and 
they were in his handwriting, to read them. 

The resolutions were then read as follows : 

" 1. That we will stand by and defend the south, and that under 
no circumstances will we assume a position of hostility to her in- 
terests, or affiliate with a military organization prompted by a par- 
tisan spirit to subserve the aims of the black republican party. 

"2. That the reign of terror attempted to be inaugurated in our 
midst is a system of tyranny which calls for the most emphatic 
rebuke. 

"3. That we will aid each other and all good citizens against 
abolition violence, insults, and attacks upon private property. 

" 4. We will act, in event of the withdrawal of Maryland and Vir- 
ginia from the Union, in such manner as shall best secure ourselves 
and those States from the evils of a foreign and hostile government 
within and near their borders." 



106 ALLEGED nOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

By the Chairman : 

Question. What is your idea — express it in your own language — 
of that clause of the resolution where you say that under no circum- 
stances will you go against the interests of the southern States? Was 
it against the smith in favor nf some other section, or against the 
south in favor of the government? That is, when you drafted the 
resolutions, was it your idea that you would not go against the in- 
terests of the south if the south were contending with the general 
government, or that you would not go against the interests of the 
south if the south were having some trouble with the north? 

Answer. Not at all. We say there distinctly that we will put 
down any mob from the north or the south. We are property 
holders. I think the most of the excitement here was caused by the 
government bringing troops here — uncalled for, in my opinion, en- 
tirely. 1 will undertake to keep the peace of the city under contract. 

Question. Did you or did you not suppose that by the adoption of 
these resolutions the company were pledging themselves that in case 
of any collision between the south and the general government, they 
would go against the general government? 

Answer. Not at all. 

Question. " Under no circumstances," you say. 

Answer. Under all circumstances we cast our lot with Maryland. 
We are Man landers ; and when the case arises, then we will decide. 

Question. Suppose that Maryland secedes? 

Answer. Then we should consider how we should act. 

Question. Then you would consider yourselves as owing allegiance 
to Maryland rather than to the general government and the Consti- 
tution of the United States? 

Answer. What is the government of the United States, if half the 
States are out? That question cannot be answered at this time. I 
am a Union man, lint I am not a Union man under all circumstances. 

Question. Have you ever been consulted by prominent men outside 
of the District from any of the States as to what the action of the 
people of this District would be in regard to turning over the public 
property to the seceding States? 

Answer. I have not. 

Question. No one has ever approached you upon the subject? 

Answer. No, sir ; not in that way. 

Question. In any way relating to this subject? 

Answer. I have had this question asked me by many prominent 
men in and out of the district: In the event of Marylaud and Vir- 
ginia seceding, what is the feeling of the citizens of Washington ? I 
have always answered, that I believe four filths of the people would 
go with Maryland. But I have always looked u ion that question as 
being a question whether the people were in favor of being citizens of 
Maryland or independent citizens. We are in a curious position here 
in this city. 

Question. It. was an expression of your opinion in regard to public 
sentiment here touching the choice of allegiance ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; that was the idea exactly, between the north 
and the south. I think a large majority of the people are southern 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 107 

in their feelings, though I may he mistaken about that. It may he 
that I am thrown with only that class of people. 

Question. Do you think that this excitement, owing to these sen- 
sation articles or otherwise, is increasing or diminishing? 

Answer. I think it is being increased by the New York papers. I 
honestly think there is no excitement among the people. 

Question. You do not think there is any danger. 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not. I think that the mayor of the city and 
his police can keep the peace. 1 would be willing, as far as his safety 
is concerned, to sit by the side of Mr. Lincoln, and go with him, and 
agree to have my head cut off if any harm comes to him from the 
citizens of Washington. 

Question. And if any harm comes to Mr. Lincoln, it must come 
from outside the city? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. In the event that Maryland should secede and assert her 
jurisdiction over this District as against the United States, and the 
United States should merely attempt to maintain its jurisdiction here 
in the District, what would you consider the duty of your organiza- 
tion, under these resolutions you have adopted, in such a case? 

Answer. That question I could not answer, because I presume every 
man would act for himself. I can tell how I should act. I should 
owe my allegiance to Maryland, and though I hold my property here, 
I would go there. 

Question. Should you consider that your organization was pledged 
by these resolutions in that event — I do not speak of coercion of 
States or auy tiling of the kind — to aid Maryland to assert her juris- 
diction over the District as against the United States? 

Answer. Not as an organization ; every individual would act as he 
pleased. 

Question. What do you think, independent of the resolutions, would 
be the sentiment of the organization on that point? 

Answer. I think a large majority, may be all of them, would go 
with Maryland. 

Question. And would contribute with their strength, whatever that 
may be, to aid Maryland to assert her jurisdiction over this District 
as against the United States? 

Answer. No, sir ; I did not say that. 

Question. I wanted to know whether you thought it would be the 
disposition of your organization, in such an event, to wrest the juris- 
diction from the United States? 

Answer. I think they would obey the law of Maryland, and what- 
ever that law ordered them to do they would do. 

Question. That does not quite meet my question. I wanted to get 
at the feelings and disposition of your organization, or any members 
of it. as far as you know, as to what they would feel it their duty to 
do, independent of any requirements of law, in the event Maryland 
attempted to assert jurisdiction over this District as against the United 
States ? 



108 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. I do not exactly understand your question. 

Question. From your knowledge of the members of your organiza- 
tion, what, in your opinion, would they feel to be their duty to do in 
such an emergency, without regard to the requirements of the law? 
Whether they would feel it their duty to aid Maryland in the attempt 
to assert her jurisdiction of this District as against the United States, 
without regard to the question of coercing the States ? 

Answer. I could not answer that question for the corps. 

Question. I do not mean as a body, but your opinion of what they 
would be disposed to do. 

Answer. 1 would cast my destiny with the south. I have consid- 
erable private property here ; and in the event that Maryland and 
Virginia seceded, 1 should not take up arms against them. That is 
my private individual opinion. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Have you heard the other members of the company ex- 
press themselves freely upon that point? 
Answer. I have not. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. You are an active member of this organization of volun- 
teers ? 

Answer. I am the senior officer, the captain, and president of the 
council of five. 

Question. How many members were present at the meeting that 
passed those resolutions ? 

Answer. That I could not tell. I should think there were three 
hundred people there. I do not know as they were all members or 
not. We have never had a secret meeting. 

Question. You turned out a reporter once for some cause? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and we will turn him out again, out of the win- 
dow next time, because he misrepresented the organization. 

Question. You say you did turn a reporter out once? 

Answer. We did. 

Question. Not because he made your proceedings public, hut because 
he falsified what occurred there? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Did you allow other reporters to come in ? 

Answer. Yes, sir; we invited the reporters of the National Intel- 
ligencer, the States and Union, and the Constitution papers to attend 
our meeting 

Question. You have no objection to any persons going there? 

Answer. No, sir ; any one who behaves himself. 

Question. And are generally rather gratified to have them come? 

An.-wer. Yes, sir. Our resolutions were published in all the papers, 
and all the reporters are admitted there except the reporter of the 
Star. 

Question. Is there such an association as the National Volunteers in 
the north ? 

Answer. I understand there is one in Baltimore. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 109 

Question. Do you know of any in the northern States? 

Answer. I do not. The National Volunteers, before the election, 
were political supporters of Breckinridge and Lane. Some eighty of 
us went on to Baltimore and turned out with them there in a torch- 
light procession. 

CORNELIUS BOYLE. 



No. 18. 

Friday, February 1, 1861. 

Daniel Ratcliffe sworn and examined. 
> 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Will you state whether you have any knowledge or 
information touching any organization in this city relating to the 
subject of inquiry embraced in the resolution referred to this com- 
mittee by the House last Saturday ? 

Answer. I have not ; and I think if there was such an organization, 
from my general acquaintance and iamiliarity with the people here, 
1 should have known something about it? 

Question. Do you know any purposes of that character that are 
entertained or expressed by individuals in an unorganized capacity 
to any considerable extent? 

Answer. I do not. I have heard rumors and surmises of such a 
purpose. 
/ Question. Sensation articles in the papers? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; but I have treated them with the contempt I 
thought they deserved. 

Question. Then, to sum it all up, you have no knowledge or belief 
that any such organization exists, or that any citizens here, or any- 
body iu this District, entertain any settled purpose of the kind? 

Answer. I do not believe there is any such purpose. I will add 
here that it is my belief that in the present state ot the public mind, 
if any collision were to occur between the two sides, there would be 
danger ; but that is a mere belief. 

Question. Danger of what — a general melee? 
Answer. A general melee ; a sort of universal fight. 
Question. Persons taking sides according to their feelings? 
I Answer. According to their impulses just at the time. 

Question. There is no disposition on the part of anybody, so far as 
you know, to commence any attack upon the government in the 
possession of its property ? 

Answer. No, sir ; none at all. We are particularly interested 
here in keeping down this thing ; aud I will say iurther, that if I 
knew there was any such purpose I would feel it to be my duty, as a 
good citizen, to at once inform the authorities here. 

Question. Were you a resident of this city prior to assuming your 
present position as assistant attorney in the Court of Claims ? 



110 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I have been here for 15 years. I have practiced 
largely in the criminal court here, and would be likely to know of 
an\ sueli purpose; because 1 am acquainted with the class of men who 
would be most likely lo be in it : and 1 will say further, that il any- 
thing oi this kind occurs, 1 shall feel it to he my duty, as a good citi- 
zen, to do all in my power to stop it. 

DANIEL RATCL1FFE. 



No. 19. 



GoDABD BAILEY sworn and examined. 



Friday, February 1, 1861. 



By the Chairman : 

Question. Have you been some time a resident of this city? 

Answer. Yes, sir; since the spring of L857. 

Question. You are not a native of the District, then? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Of what State are you a native? 

Answer. I am a South Carolinian by birth. I removed from Caro- 
lina to Alabama in 1854, and resided there up to the time of my 
removal to Washington. I hail from Mobile at present. 

Question. Do you know of your own knowledge — 1 am not inclu- 
ding rumors ami hearsay in this question — of the existence of any 
organization in this city, secret or open, civil or military, that con- 
templates any attack upon the government and its public property in 
this city? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not 

Question. Have you heard any person assert that such an organiza- 
tion did exist in this city ; that is, any responsible person? 1 do not 
allude to vague rumors and sensation article-. 

Answer. That is a very hard question to answer ; I desire to answer 
frankly all questions put to me ; 1 do not think 1 could answer that 
qu< stion in the affirmative ; hut 1 might say this, with perfect truth : 
that I believe it' there were such an organization 1 would know of it. 

Question. You think your means of information would he as good 
as those ol anybody ? 

Answer 1 know 1 would be one of the very first persons approached 
on the subject 1 am firmly persuaded there is no such organization ; 
you have reference, ol course, to an armed organization in the interests 
of the southern States. 

Question. 1 have reference to any organization, seciel or otherwise, 
existing in this city tor such a purpose. We might suppose, if such an 
organization existed anywhere, it would exist out of the city, as well 
as in it 

Answer I mean it; the interest of the southern States. 

Question. 1 do not ask whose interest it is iu ; but whether it is 
hostile to the government property? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. Ill 

Answer. I have heard responsible persons say there was an armed 
organization here that proposed to take possession of the city. 

Question. Can you state whom you have heard say so? 

Answer. Well, I do not know ; I have heard it asserted generally 
by a great many people ; I think I heard Mr. Wigiall say so ; but I 
will not be positive. 

Question. Do I understand you to limit your reply to its existence 
in this city? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and I would like to add to that, that I under- 
stand that organization is composed exclusively of members of the 
republican party. I have understood that there was a lodge of Wide- 
awakes organized here, and 1 believe it to be true. I presumed your 
first question had no reference to them, and that is the reason I 
answered it as I did. 
>. Question. Do you believe that the Wide-awakes, if they exist here — 

you say you do believe they do exist here? 

Answer. I have seen them parading in the street. 

Question. Do you believe they have any purpose or design of attack- 
ing the Capitol, or navy yard, or any other piece of public property 
here in this city ? 

Answer. I believe they had such an idea. I would like to explain: 
I was arrested on the 26th of December, and I was not bailed out until 
the 19th of January ; and during all that time I had no means of 
knowing what was going on outside. And since that time, I have 
seen very few persons to talk with ; I think I have had no conversa- 
tion on the subject since. 1 would like to explain what I mean by 
having heard of these rumors, and believing this organization to be 
in existence. Soon after the tesult of the last presidential election 
/ was known, there was a very large parade of an association popularly 
known as Wide-awakes, here in the city of Washington. And soon 
after that, rumors began to circulate that this was an armed organiza- 
tion, the object of which was to take possession of the city of Washing- 
ton. There were rumors of large similar bodies coming down here 
in anticipation of trouble on the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln ; that 
they were going to swarm all over the southern States, and would 
come here and take possession of this city. 1 have beard hundreds of 
people talk about ir, and it was generally credited. And without 
particularizing any individual, I have heard fifty or sixty persons say 
so. It was generally believed by persons with whom I associated. 

Question. And all these things you have referred to were before the 
time you have named? 
y Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. In December last? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; 1 was first arrested on the 24th of December, 
and bailed out on the same day. And I was re-arrested ou the 26th 
of December. 

Question. And this was all prior to Christmas? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And since then you have had no conversation about it? 

Answer. No, sir ; since then I have had no conversation with any- 
body about it ; except that 1 have understood from my friends that 
there was no such organization outside of this Wide-awake organiza- 



112 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

tion. I am speaking of an organization composed of southern men, 
having in view seizing this city, in the interest of the south. I have 
spoken to southern men, friends of mine, and asked them if they knew 
of such an organization, and they said they did not. 

Question. You have heard spoken of, I suppose, the organization 
called the " K. G. O.'s," or Knights of the Golden Circle? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you ever had any knowledge of them — whether 
they existed at all, or for what purpose? 

Answer. I do not know anything about them, except what appeared 
in the newspapers ; I have always regarded them as a filibustering 
association. 

Question. You have no other knowledge of them but what was 
published? 

Answer. None but what I saw in the papers. 

Question. You i ay you " believed," with regard to the purposes 
entertained by the Wide-awakes : did you form your opinion mainly 
from what you saw in the newspapers and what was common current 
rumor, or upon distinct statements made to you by responsible parties? 

Answer. Well, so far as my individual belief was concerned, it grew 
out of two or three things. I have been, ever since 1 grew up to 
manhood, a member of what was called in the south the ultra States' 
rights party. I have been in the confidence of those men, and gener- 
ally knew what their plans were. I was satisfied, in my own mind, 
that the election of Mr. Lincoln would result in the secession of one 
or more southern States ; 1 was satisfied the Gulf States would go 
out anyhow. This threat of secession had been talked of in the 
papers, and had been met by announcements in the Tribune and other 
organs of the republican party, to the effect that the Wide-awakes 
would come down and prevent any action on the part of Virginia and 
Maryland ; and, in the event of an attempt on the part of southern 
men to prevent the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln by force, they would 
be met and crushed out. Feeling satisfied, in my own mind, that the 
southern States would go out, I thought it very likely that the repub- 
lican party might carry out the policy foreshadowed in those papers ; 
and therefore I was prepared to believe a rumor that there was an 
organization for that purpose. I never had any doubts myself, after 
the Cith of November, what the cjurss of the southern Scates would be. 

Question. From your intimate knowledge ot the principal men ? 

Answer. From my knowledge of them, and from my knowledge of 
the tone and temper of the people. 

Question. Did you anticipate that it is probable that a collision 
would take place between them and the general government with 
reference to the possession of the public property in this city? 

Answer. I do not know about that. 

Question. I mean immediately. What ultimate results would be 
is another thing. 

Answer. I think if it had not been for Governor Hicks, and if there 
had been an opportunity afforded for a convention of the people of 
Maryland, it might. Whether it will occur now or not I cannot say. 
The theory, the plain principle of law is, that if the government of 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 113 

the United States is dissolved, of course the fee of this District would 
revert to Maryland, who had ceded it to the government. And cer- 
tainly no southern State would like to take it away from Maryland, 
so far as the realty of the buildings is concerned. 

Question. Let me put a question which will be more precise. Do 
you mean the fee of the government property, or merely the political 
jurisdiction of the District? For instance, do you mean the fee that 
the government has of this ground on which the Capitol stands? 

Answer. I mean the right of eminent domain. 

Question. Not proprietorship ? 

Answer. I would make a distinction there. In respect to the land, 
those lots of land which the government has bought and paid for, 
and built on, I presume their right in it would be respected just as 
the right of any other landed proprietor. But in respect to those lots 
which were got by cession, for which they paid nothing, I presume, 
the purposes of the trust having failed, they would revert to Maryland. 

Question. I meant to ask whether you confined your remark to 
general jurisdiction, or do you mean absolute proprietorship ? 

Answer. I want to say this: it is all conjectural on my part; it does 
not amount to anything. I really know nothing whatever about an 
armed organization. What I mean is this : I think, it' the State of 
Maryland secedes, and claims it, she i3 the only southern State that 
can claim it. Whatever might be said in regard to the archives and 
records of the confederation is another thing. 

GODARD BAILEY. 



No. 20. 

Saturday, February 2, 18G1. 
Wm. M. McCauley sworn and examined. 
By the Chairman : 

Question. Where do you reside? 

Answer. Washington city. 

Question. How long have you lived here ? 

Answer. I have lived here all my life. I was born and raised here. 
I have lived here all my life, except some two years, when I was away 
at Philadelphia and other places. 

Question. Have you been at any time a clerk in one of the depart- 
ments ? 

Answer. I am now assistant machinist in the Patent Office, and 
have been for nine years. 

Question. Are you pretty well acquainted in the city ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I am very well acquainted. 

Question. And in the departments? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; every one knows me, I guess ; knows my name. 

Question. Do you know, of your own knowledge, whether there is 
any society, or organization, or company here, that has for its object 
any attack upon the Capitol, or any of the departments here? 
H. Rep. Com. 79 8 






114 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Nor upon the navy yard or arsenal. 

Answer. No, sir ; I have heard these things talked ahout, hut I do 
not know anything about it. I have heard it said that there was an 
organization in Baltimore, but whether there is or not I do not know. 

Question. Judging from this talk, what do you understand, Bup- 
posing the organization to exist, the purpose to be? What is it said 
to be? 

Answer. It is merely when I am passing by that I might hear 
three or lour persons talking together, saying that they had heard of 
such a thing, and that Henry A. Wise had said something of the 
kind. 

Question. Can you name any person you heard talking in this way? 

Answer. No, sir, I cannot ; I hardly taxed my memory with any- 
thing of the kind ; it was merely flying rumor. The papers, I believe, 
spoke of Henry A. Wise, but I am not certain ; I do not know whether 
I got it from the papers or bystanders. 

Question. Then all you know about it you have got from reading 
these sensation articles? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; or hearing two or three men talking together, 
or something of that kind. I never taxed my memory with anything 
of the kind. 

Question. Are you acquainted with an association or military com- 
pany here called the National Volunteers? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you belong to them? 

Answer. No, sir. If you will allow me, I will state this : I was a 
member of the National Democratic Volunteers, gotten up, as I so 
understood it, at the time of the last election, for a sort of procession 
in Baltimore. 

Question. A political matter? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I put my name down to that. In the mean- 
time I was taken s ; ck, and did not go. Indeed, I did not intend in the 
first place to go ; but as I was sick I had a good excuse for not going, 
and did not go. Some time ago I saw in the papers a call tor the 
National Democratic Association to have a meeting. I went there, 
and there were certain preambles and resolutions which did not 
coincide with my views in regard to this thing. I said nothing. 
They had a constitution, and handed it to me to sign, and I would not 
sign it. And I came out in the papers and said I was not one of them. 

Question. Was the association composed mainly of men belonging 
to the old Jackson Association ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. It was purely a political, democratic, association ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I looked upon it in that light. 

Question. Have you any knowledge as to whether it has, in any 
way, changed its purpose? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not know that there is any change in it at 
all ; there may be. My opinion — it is merely the opinion I formed — 
was that it was gotten up more in consequence of the prganization of 
Mr. Carrington's company. This was got up, as I have understood 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 115 

since, for the purpose of keeping Mr. Carrington from going on with 
some political thing. 

Question. A kind of opposition club? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; so 1 have looked at it. I have not been at a 
meeting since. I had an idea at first that it was a kind of secession 
movement. Some of the men, I suppose, are for secession, of course. 
I do not know who they are. As a body I do not think they are so. 

Question. What gave you the idea that it was a secession move- 
ment? 

Answer. Just hearing persons who are members talking outside. 

Question. Not from anything you know to have been done by the 
company? 

Answer. No, sir. If there has been anything done in the way of a 
secret organization, I think it has been done by a few persons. 

Question. This is not a secret organization ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Anybody can attend the meeting that pleases? 

Answer. Yes, sir. At the night I was there, it was requested that 
if there were any reporters present, except the reporter of the Star, 
they would come forward and make a report ot the meeting. It 
seems that the Star at the time of the meeting of the association had 
ridiculed it by calling it the jackass association. 

Question. The Star reporter was excluded for what they deemed 
abusive language in his report? 

Answer. Yes, sir. The other reporters, at the night I was there, 
were invited to come up and make a correct report of the meeting. 
They were invited to come forward, and they would have a desk given 
them. But as to whether they have been excluded since that night, 
I do not know anything about it. 

Question. You have not been there since ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I did not indorse them, and have not attended 
since. 

Question. That is all that you know about it? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; that is all that I know about it. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. You say you got the idea that it was a secession club 
from what you had heard some of the members of it say ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you mean by that that they said that the object of 
this club was to bring about secession, or only that they themselves 
were in favor of secession ? 

Answer. No, sir ; not that. I understood one man in particular to 
say this : I was at the National Hotel one evening, in the billiard 
room. This person remarked to me, "Are you going to the meet- 
ing?" I said "No ; I don't have anything todo with it at all ; I am 
not a member of it. Just the transfer of my name from the National 
Democratic Association to the National Volunteers don't make me a 
member of it." Said I, "I don't indorse anything like secession; I 
am for the Uuion out and out." I thought there was a secession 
movement at the bottom of it, on account of these preambles and res- 



• 






110 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

olutions. Said he, "Are you going to resign?" I said, " No ; I am 
not going to resign ; 1 am not a member until I sign the new constitu- 
tion." "Well," said he, "I am going up to it ; 1 am a secession- 
ist." Said I, "You have a perfect right." Said he, "I go with 
Maryland and Virginia." 

Question. And you suspected it was a secession club ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. But did you suspect then, or at any time, that it was a 
secret organization, having lor its object an attack upon the Capi- 
tol, or any of the public buildings ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I never had such an idea ; and I do not believe 
that any man thinks of doing such a tiling. 

[Upon reading over his testimony the witness desired to state that 
the person with whom he held the conversation at the National Hotel, 
above referred to, he has since understood was not a member of the 
National Volunteers. J 

WM. M. McCAULEY. 



No. 21. 

Monday, February 4, 1861. 
J. Tyler Powell sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you live here in the city ? 

Answer. I do. 

Question. Are you employed in one of the departments ? 

Answer. I am. 

Question. How long have you been here? 

Answer. I have resided here all my life ; I was born here. 

Question. Are you very generally acquainted here with all classes of 
people ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I believe I am. 

Question. Do you know of the existence of any organization here 
that has for its object any interference with any of the public prop- 
erty of the United States here in the District? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Have you ever beard such a thing talked of? 

Answer. Well, 1 have heard a secret organization spoken of; 1 
never was a member of it ; I do not know any person who is a mem- 
ber of it. 

Question. To what secret organization do you allude that you have 
heard spoken of? — the Knights of the Golden Cross, or something 
of that kind ? 

Answer. I am unable to say what. I heard a gentleman say on 
the avenue one day that there was an organization of gentlemen in 
this city which was a secret organization. The purposes of that or- 
ganization I do not know ; but I did understand that they met at 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 1 1 7 

Temperance Hall ; who the members are, or what are their objects, 
I do not know, and am unable to say. That was some six weeks or two 
months ago. 

Question. Who was the gentleman whom you heard say so ? 

Answer. I heard Dr. Boyle speak of it. 

Question. You do not know whether it was a political organization 
or what it was ? 

Answer. I do not. But the impression left on my mind by Dr. 
Boyle in conversation, was that it was a southern institution. That 
was the impression left upon my mind. I do not know that he made 
that remark particularly. 

Question. That it was an organization favorable to the claims of 
the south? 

Answer. I presumed it was ; that was the impression left upon my 
mind. 

Question. You do not know what their purposes are ? 

Answer. I do not ; I do not know that such an organization does 
exist, or ever existed. 

Question. Was that the only time you ever heard it spoken of? 

Answer. That was the only time. 

Question. Are you a member of a military company here called the 
National Volunteers ? 

Answer. I was a member ; I am not now. 

Question. That was organized before the election ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What was it — a political or military organization ? 

Answer. It was organized as a political association, having no con- 
stitution ; it had a heading to which the names of the members were 
signed, which only pledged themselves to use all honorable means for 
the election of John C. Breckinridge and Joseph Lane ; that is, at 
the time of organization. 

Question. That rather took the place of the old Jackson Association ? 

Answer. No, sir : it was formed in that association, as an auxiliary 
to it, for the purpose of aiding them in circulating documents and 
making demonstrations. 

Question. And since then it has assumed more of a military form ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; it has been merged into a military association. 

Question. You are not a member now ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. When did your membership cease? About what time? 

Answer. I do not remember the date. I think it was on the loth 
of January. 

Question. Did you withdraw from them in consequence of any 
change in their constitution or purposes? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; what I considered to be a change. I have with 
me a copy of the Evening Star, containing the preamble and resolu- 
tions, with my letter of resignation. I think they will explain better, 
perhaps, than I can myself, the reasons why I left the association. 

Question. You objected to the preamble and resolutions? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I objected to the preamble particularly. 



118 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

The following, from the Evening Star of January 17, 1801, was 
read : 

" ' The National Volunteers of the city of Washington, having met 
for the purpose of perfecting and extending their existing military 
organization, formed in the month of September, 1860, deem it both 
a right and duty at this time to declare to their fellow-citizens the 
principles which will control their future action. 

" ' The constitutional compact of the Union between the States of the 
late confederacy of thirty-three States having been repeatedly and 
grossly violated by the north, a portion of the southern States have 
been at last forced to seek by withdrawal that security for their peace, 
property, and honor, which the experience of twenty-five years has 
demonstrated could not be found under a common government. That 
government, having been signed by the party which has proposed and 
justified all these acts of aggression, bad faith, and hostile agitation, 
is now no longer a shield of defence for the rights of all, but an 
agency by which the doctrines of a " higher law" may be carried out 
at such times and in such manner as its advocates may consider expe- 
dient. In a spirit of wise forecast and just regard for their honor, three 
of the slaveholding States have already withdrawn from the Union. 
Others will follow in a few days, and ere three months shall have 
passed it is probahle that all the slavenolding States will be confede- 
rated in a union whose symbols will be equality, good faith, and the 
protection of property of every description. We believe that this city 
would naturally be the seat of government for such new confederacy, 
provided its citizens shall not suffer themselves to be drawn into an 
attitude of hostility to the south and opposition to the wishes and 
action of the adjacent States of Virginia and Maryland. If Virginia 
shall secede, it would clearly be unsafe for the federal government to 
retain this point as a capital. If Maryland should imitate the action 
of Virginia, and resume her sovereignty, the retention of this city by 
the black republican government would be not only unsafe but im- 
practicable. We hold, then, that the destinies of Washington are in- 
timately linked with the States of Virginia and Maryland, and that 
to oppose their action would be ruin to every property-holder in this 
city. 

" ' While entertaining those views of future results, we expect their 
accomplishment by the logic of events, and not by arms. The cry of 
an alleged organization to interfere with the inauguration or the 
counting of the votes for President is unfounded, ridiculous, and mis- 
chievous in its effects. The attempt to give it a color by military 
proclamations and meetings, by enrolling the militia, by creating a 
standing army of 6,000 men in a peaceful city, by planting companies 
of artillery at prominent points, gathering from exposed frontiers the 
troops necessary to repel the marauder ami the savage, and thus con- 
verting our city into an armed camp, we denounce as a wanton and 
wicked act of folly. It is a reflection upon our existing patriotic 
military companies, the municipal authorities, and an efficient police. 
It leads to alarm, public insecurity, and thus strikes at the value of 
property and the operations of commerce. It puts the deliberations 
of Congress under the menace of martial rule, and discloses the melan- 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 119 

choly fact that the government is virtually in the hands of a military 
dictator, whose sole idea of civil liberty is the application of brute 
force to coerce sovereign States. We believe that a controlling aim 
with many of those who have fomented these unusual military pre- 
parations is to place arms, at the public expense, in the hands of 
Wide-awakes of this city and elsewhere, in order that these sympa- 
thizers with John Brown may make similar assaults upon life and 
property in this city. We therefore resolve as follows : 

" ' 1. That we will stand by and defend the south, and that under 
no circumstances will we assume a position of hostility to her in- 
terests, or affiliate with a military organization prompted by a par- 
tisan spirit to subserve the aims of the black republican party. 

" ' 2. That the reign of terror attempted to be inaugurated in our 
midst is a system of tyranny which calls for the most emphatic 
rebuke. 

" '3. That we will aid each other and all good citizens against 
abolition violence and attacks upon private property. 

" ' 4. We will act, in event of the withdrawal of Maryland and Vir- 
ginia from the Union, in such manner as shall best secure ourselves 
and those States from the evils of a foreign and hostile government 
within and near their borders.' 

"This matter and some talk about 'that hoss' occupied the time 
till the formal commencement of business proceedings. Secretary 
Gantt stated that private reasons compelled him to tender his resig- 
nation, but that he would stand by the action of Maryland. Other 
resignations were offered, very much to the disgust of the wire- 
pullers, and the following manly letter so excited their ire that the 
name of the writer was ordered to be stricken from the roll and his 
letter returned to him : 

" 'Washington, D. C, January 15, 1861. 
" 'To the officers and members of the "National Volunteers." 

"'Gentlemen: I hereby tender my resignation as a member of 
your association, and, in doing so, I would simply state that the 
reasons which impel me to such a course are to be found in the 
preamble and resolutions lately enacted by your body. I cannot lend 
my aid to or countenance any movement that casts reflections or 
imputations upon the Executive of the United States. 

" ' I am also of the opinion that political military organizations are 
antagonistic to the true principles of a republican government. 
" ' Very respectfully, 

"'TYLER POWELL, 

" ' First Lieutenant, N. V.' " 

By the Chairman : 

Question. That expresses the reasons of your withdrawal as well as 
you can now ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you stated all that you know upon the subject? 

Answer. I believe I have. 



120 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Doubtless you have read the sensation articles in the 
newspapers about wars and rumors of wars? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. And you have no knowledge of them ? 

Answer. No, sir ; no personal knowledge ; nothing more than the 
rumors in the papers. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. You said that Dr. Boyle spoke to you of a secret organi- 
zation ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What was it that he said about it? 

Answer. If my memory serves me right, Dr. Boyle remarked that 
he had been invited to join an association, or that there was an asso- 
ciation in existence, wbich met at Temperance Hall, and which was 
composed of some of the first men in town. 

Question. Did he say that it was a secret association, or that it 
held secret meetings ? 

Answer. The impression left upon my mind was that it was a 
southern secret association. 

Question. Did he state to any extent its object ? 

Answer. He did not. I believe be stated to me that he did not 
know what their objects were, and for that reason he declined going 
with it, without knowing anything of its objects. 

Question. Did you learn froni him who communicated that fact to 
him? 

Answer. I did not. 

Question. Did he ask you to join? 

Answer. He did not. 

Question. What did he say in respect to it? 

Answer. The conversation arose somewhat in this way : Imme- 
diately alter the election there were two or three meetings of the 
National Volunteers held. But the attendance was very slim ; there 
seemed to be no interest taken, and by common consent the meetings 
were stopped at that time, with the understanding that the captain 
should call them together when he should think proper to do so. 
And during this interval Dr. Boyle was desir >us of knowing whether 
or not the volunteers would be reorganized ; and, in conversation 
about that, he stated that he had been invited to join such an asso- 
ciation ; but he did not know whether he should join them or not, 
because he wanted to remain with the National Volunteers if they 
continued in existence. 

Question. Did he intimate that whether he joined them or not 
would depend upon the National Volunteers continuing in existence? 

Answer. No, sir ; not exactly that. He objected to join a secret 
political association, because be did not know the objects of it? 

Question. Were you present when these resolutions were adopted? 

Answer. I was. I did not resign until the second meeting alter. 

Question. Were they adopted with unanimity? 

Answer. Yes, sir. There was one gentleman who objected, and 
desired to oppose the resolutions, but he was cried down and hooted at. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 121 

Question. How large was the meeting at which they were adopted? 

Answer. Well, judging from recollection, without having counted 
them, I should suppose there were between one hundred and fifty and 
two hundred present. 

Answer. "Were they adopted at the same meeting they were offered? 

Answer. They were. 

Question. Were they matters of discussion? 

Answer. The gentleman I allude to objected to them, and then two 
other gentlemen took the floor — Mr. Washington and Dr. Boyle — and 
they spoke in favor of the resolutions. I believe that was the only 
debate upon them. 

Question. Who was the gentleman who objected to them ? 

Answer. Mr. Rae — John Rae, I believe his name is ; he is com- 
monly called Jack Rae among his friends. 

Question. Is he still a member? 

Answer. I do not think he has ever resigned by letter. The organi- 
zation was reconstructed ; they elected new officers, captain, lieu- 
tenant, and other officers, and also submitted a military constitution, 
which constitution was signed by such members as desired to connect 
themselves with the association ; and it seemed to be an understood 
fact that those who did not go up and sign this new constitution were 
not members of the new organization, and understanding that a num- 
ber of gentlemen did not think it necessary to resign formally. 

Question. Do you know who prepared that military constitution? 

Answer. I am under the impression that it was Mr. Charles H. 
Winder, of this city. 

Question. What did you understand the resolution pledged the 
organization to, in the event that Maryland and Virginia should 
secede ? 

Answer. Well, my impression was that they would cast their lot 
with Maryland or Virginia, and as a military organization I supposed 
that they would be under the control of either Maryland or Virginia ; 
probably Maryland. 

Question. Subjecting themselves to the orders of the authorities of 
Maryland ? 

Answer. That was my impression. 

Question. And in the event that Maryland should attempt to assert 
jurisdiction over this District, as against the United States, did you 
consider these resolutions as pledging that organization to aid Mary- 
land in that undertaking as against the United States? 

Answer. That I could not say ; I could not say whether they would 
do so or not. I never heard an expression of opinion upon that 
question. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. You say that but one gentleman opposed these reso- 
lutions ? 

Answer. Only one member of the association. 

Question. What State was he from? 

Answer. I think he was from Georgia ; he is a clerk, I believe, in 



122 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

the city post office, but I will not be sure of that. I know the gen- 
tleman very well. 

Question. You are quite sure he is a citizen of Georgia? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I think so 

Question. Do you remember what reasons he gave for opposing 
the resolutions? 

Answer. He said that it was an attack upon the Executive of the 
United States, and he went on to speak of his being a Union man, 
and that he would prefer to see the Union cemented together, rather 
than broken into fragments ; and he was therefore opposed to any 
such resolutions. 

Question. He opposed the resolutions because he regarded them as 
an attack upon the administration, I understand you to say? 

Answer. I could not speak of his opinion. 

Question. I mean what he said there. You understood him as 
opposing the resolutions on the ground that they were an attack upon 
the administration? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and also that it would be more becoming in the 
association to do something to save the Union, rather than pass such 
resolutions, declaring that the government was virtually in the hands 
of a military dictator, who would use brute force to coerce sovereign 
States. 

Question. You were present? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You did not oppose them? 

Answer. No, sir ; I did not. I remained silent, for this reason : I 
have always held a good position in the association, and have always 
been treated with respect, and when I saw the treatment that Mr. 
Rae received at the hands of the members — that he was hooted at, and 
greated with cries of "down, down," and "put him out, put him 
out," &c. — I did not desire to subject myself to that annoyance. For 
that reason I preferred to leave the association and resign, without 
opposing the resolutions, as I saw it was useless to do so. 

Question. Were these resolutions published in the papers here by 
ojder of the association ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. On whose motion? 

Answer. On my own motion. 

Question. Did anybody make any objection to the publication of 
the resolutions? 

Answer. No, sir ; except to their being published in the Star ; I 
believe that was the only objection made. 

Question. That was on account of the course the reporter of the 
Star had pursued towards the association before ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. There was no objection made to their being published 
in the other papers? 

Answer. No, sir ; not that I remember. 

Question. It appears from this paper [the Star] that I hold in my 
hand that your resignation was not accepted by the meeting, but that 



6 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 125 

they ordered it to be returned to you, and your name stricken from 
the roll. Is that a true account ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Upon what ground did they refuse to receive your 
resignation ? 

Answer. They gave no reasons at all. But since that time gentlo- 
men have stated to me privately that they believed it was done because 
there was objectionable language in the resignation. Such was not 
stated to me at the time, or I would have removed the objectionable 
language from the letter, as I had no desire to say anything that would 
be regarded as objectionable. 

Question. Do you know what particular part of your letter was 
regarded as casting imputations upon them? 

Answer. They stated that there was no reflection intended upon the 
President by their resolutions, and that that part of the letter was 
objectionable to the association ; I believe that was the only reason I 
heard ; that was given to me by a gentleman in his individual capacity, 
and not by the association. I would state that on the night the reso- 
lutions passed some members of the association said it was not a reflec- 
tion upon the President ; and the gentleman who objected to the 
resolutions asked what was meant by the language of the resolutions; 
and I think that Dr. Garnett said that it was not a reflection upon 
the President, but upon General Scott ; and Mr. Rae told them that 
he could not reflect upon General Scott in his present capacity without 
a reflection upon the President. 

Question. Then the opposition and disaffection to these resolutions 
related mainly, if not wholly, to the fact that the resolutions reflected 
upon the President of the United States and his administration? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and also that Mr. Rae thought that they should 
do something to cement the Union, instead of trying to dissolve it. 

Question. Did you attend any other meeting of the association 
after that? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Did you participate in its proceedings? 

Answer. I did. Allow me to explain why I did so. I had the 
promise of some gentlemen that these resolutions should be expunged 
from the records of the association ; and upon that promise I attended 
the meeting. 

Question. Did either yourself or others move to expunge these 
resolutions? 

Answer. No, sir ; not by direct motion. Other resolutions were 
offered — two series of them — to be adopted in place of these. And then 
a third series of resolutions were offered explanatory of these resolu- 
tions, to the effect that they desired a settlement of this question upon 
the Crittenden resolutions. 

Question. Were they adopted? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. A resolution declaring that the association desired a set- 
tlement of our political troubles by the adoption of the Crittenden 
resolutions ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 



124 ALLEGED nOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Did you then, or do you now, regard these resolutions as 
pledging the National Volunteers, either collectively or individually, to 
any unauthorized attack upon the government or its property in this 
District ? 

Answer. Not hy any means. 

Question. Did you show this letter of resignation to any memher of 
the republican party before you sent it to the association ? 

Answer. I did show it. I have had a great many hot discussions 
upon that point. There is a gentleman in the Patent Office by the 
name of Hall, who is spoken of by a great many as a republican ; upon 
what authority I am not aware, other than that he is a subscriber to 
the New York Tribune. He is a gentleman of considerable talent, 
and knows a little of almost everything ; and as I was not very well 
posted myself upon newspaper articles, I desired to place that in a 
proper form, as I supposed there might be occasion to publish it ; and 
I submitted it to him merely to get his opinion upon it in that respect, 
merely in relation to the wording of it. He gave his opinion ; and I 
was afterwards, before some fifteen or twenty geutlemen, charged with 
showing it to a black republican ; and I received their sneers and 
hootings on that account, for which I did not care at all. 

Question. Was there any remark made to you by this gentleman of 
the republican party, to whom you showed it, that if you would with- 
draw from this association it would insure your continuance in office 
under the next administration? 

Answer. Not by any means. 

Question. Did you say this gentleman was generally regarded as a 
member of the republican party ? 

Answer. He is charged to be by a number of democrats ; upon what 
ground I do not know, except that he takes the Tribune. I never 
heard that he ever affiliated with any association of the republican 
party in this city. 

Question. I understand you to say that you did not at the time, and 
you do not now, regard these resolution's as pledging the National 
Volunteers, either collectively or individually, to any attack upon the 
government or its property here. Do you know any other tact that 
would go to show that the object of the volunteers is to make an attack 
upon the government or its property here? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Do you know any fact that you can place before the com- 
mittee that would induce you to believe that there is any secret com- 
bination or conspiracy, having for its object an attack upon the gov- 
ernment or its property here? 

Answer. I do not know of any, and I do not believe there is any. 

J. TYLER POWELL. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 125 

No. 22. 

Tuesday, February 5, 1861. 

John H. Goddard sworn and examined. 
By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you reside in this city? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You are connected with the police department here? 

Answer. I am. 

Question. Chief of police? 

Answer. Yes, sir; chief of police and captain of the auxiliary guard. 

Question. How long have you occupied that position ? 

Answer. I was first appointed chief of the police and captain of the 
guard in this city in 1842. 1 was out of office some six years. The 
last time I came into office was two years the first of July last. 

Question. You have charge of all the police of the city, including 
the auxiliary guard? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Your means of knowing what is going on are pretty good? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I think so. 

Question. Do you know of any organization in existence here, either 
secret or open, that has for its object any attack upon any of the pub- 
lic property here, or any resistance to the general government in any 
shape? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. You know of the existence of no such organization? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. From your means of information do you believe that it 
would be possible for one to exist any considerable length of time 
without your knowing it? 

Answer. I think if there was any organization of that kind in the 
city of Washington I certainly would know something about it. 

Question. Have you what is technically called " detective police," 
or men on that duty? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Do you know whether there is any avowed purpose, or 
have you ever heard any purpose avowed, on the part of any consid- 
erable number of persons here, not in an organized form, to seize the 
Capitol, or the navy yard, or the arsenal, or any other public prop- 
erty here ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you ever heard threats of that kind ? 

Answer. I do not know that I ever heard anybody make any threats 
of that description, about seizing the public property here, such as 
the arsenal, navy yard, Capitol, or any of the departments. I have 
heard men drinking, carousing, and such like, advocating secession, 
and advocating the rights of the south, and some advocating the 
opposite course, the rights of the republicans. Such things as that 
are most generally the effusion of liquor. Although they may en- 



126 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

tertain these sentiments when they are soher, they have too much 
discretion to give vent to them, except when they are intoxicated. I 
have heard such things, and have had occasion to interpose to keep 
men from quarrelling and fighting in the. drinking houses. But as 
to any purpose, or plan, or design of that sort on the part of persons, 
either organized or individual, I do not think it exists. 

Question. You do not beleive it exists at all ? 

Answer. No, sir. This community is like a great many others, 
divided in opinion and sentiment in relation to the great matter now 
at issue hetween the two sections of the country. But I do not think 
there is any purpose of that kind existing here to commit any overt 
act against the government in this city. 

Question. And no more occasion for mobs than on any other occa- 
sion when the excitement runs high ? 

Answer. It is possible that on an occasion like the inauguration 
there may be a great many persons here drinking and carousing, and 
we may have more than the usual number of fights and disorders of 
that kind, created by the excitement of different parties meeting 
together. But nothing like an attack upon the national dignity here. 

Question. You think there would be fights in the Union rather 
than against the Union ? 

Answer. Fights in their cups more than anything else. There 
would be perhaps persons half drunk who would begin to abuse the 
President elect and everybody else, and then there would be retalia- 
tion and then a general fight, in which we would have to interfere, 
and it might take a considerable force lo quell it. That might happen 
and might not. But I do not anticipate anything of the kind, 
although I think it is prudent and necessary to be cautious and prepared 
for any emergency. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. You have heard rumors about, have you not, of some 
contemplated aid in this District to be rendered those who desire to 
take the Capitol p 

Answer. Well, I have heard it talked of, and seen it in the news- 
papers about contemplated forces coming from outside the District — 
from Virginia for instance — and that they expected to have a great 
many friends here. 

Question. Have you heard rumors of an organization existing here 
to render aid in such an attempt? 

Answer. I cannot say that I have heard of such an organization. 
I have heard that it was assumed by the opposed party that the 
National Volunteers were formed for that purpose. 

Question. Have you taken any measures as captain of the police to 
ascertain whether there did exist any such organization in the city ? 

Answer. I have ; every means in my power. 

Question. What inquiries have you made? 

Answer. To ascertain where these meetings of the National Volun- 
teers were held, and what their purposes were. 

Question. Have you detached any portion of your police, and 
charged them with the duty to investigate and ascertain whether 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 127 

there were such organizations, and if they held their meetings in this 
District ? 

Answer. I have not made it the especial duty of any one, hecause 
I have ascertained that that was all unfounded. 

Question. In what way did you discover that that was unfounded? 

Answer. By talking with persons, and going myself where they 
said there were meetings, and finding that there were no such meetings. 

Question. At what places have you been ? 

Answer. There is a place called Northern Liberties, away up in 
the borders of the city, near the corner of 10th and. M streets, where 
I was told there were some secret meetings. I found out that they 
were meetings I had myself ordered — meetings of colored people to 
whom I had given a permit to hold meetings there. 

Question. Did you ever attend any meetings at Temperance Hall ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Did you ever send a policeman there? 

Answer. On one or two occasions I have sent one or two men there 
for fhe purpose of keeping order. 

Question. Have you ascertained through them what was the char- 
acter of those meetings? 

Answer. Meetings for public discussion. 

Question. Who were the managers of the meeting? 

Answer. I do not know ; if I had anticipated any question upon 
that point I would have ascertained. There used to be some meetings 
there last summer of persons to get up tournaments and the like. 

Question. You have not discovered in any of these meetings any 
evidence of any conspiracy ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you been there to any meeting during the last 
month or two? 

Answer. No, sir ; but I have understood they were mostly for mili- 
tary organization — what are called Union meetings. 

Question. Have you ascertained who managed those meetings, so 
that you could be able to communicate their names to us? 

Answer. Only by seeing them in the papers. 

Question. Can you tell me any person of whom you have made 
inquiry as to the existence of such a conspiracy or such an organiza- 
tion in this city? 

Answer. I have talked with many persons among my own men, 
with my lieutenant ; but I have never had the most distant idea that 
there was any such thing going on that would require any inquiry of 
the kind into it. 

Question. I suppose it is so, and I think it is so in fact ; hut I want 
to ascertain whether you know that such a thing does not exist ; I am 
not seeking for it, but merely to satisfy myself that it does not exist ; 
so I would be glad it you would tell me the persons of whom you have 
made such an inquiry ? 

Answer. I have talked upon the subject with a Mr. Duvall, who 
used to be what is called the janitor of the building — who used to take 
care of the building. 

Question. What building is that ? 



128 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. Temperance Hall. 

Question. When have you talked with him ahout it? 

Answer. I think within two months. 

Question. Of what other persons about the city have you made 
inquiry touching the existence of any such organization? 

Answer. Well, I talked with Mr. Carrington — Captain Carrington 
he is now called — about the meetings he was holding there. 

Question. What did you learn from Mr. Carrington as to the 
existence of any such organization ? 

Answer. That the object of their meetings was to form a military 
company. 

Question. Did you ascertain the purpose of forming their company 
at this time? 

Answer. I suppose at the off-start they were for political purposes 
more than for any substantial military organization. But since that 
time I have been informed that they were intending to continue their 
existence, and form a regular military volunteer company — a uniformed 
company. 

Question. Did you make any such inquiry of Dr. Boyle? 

Answer. Well, sir, Dr. Boyle was so recently elected the captain of 
his company of National Volunteers that I had no idea that he would 
join any such military company ; because he is a man that is lame, 
and I did not suppose that he would suit for an officer. I was in 
company with him night before last ; but I did not make any inquiry 
about his military company, because I thought it would be so ridiculous, 
and I would not joke him about it. 

Question. Did he allude to his having been before this committee? 

Answer. No, sir ; I had heard of his having been here. We were 
talking then about the United States troops coming here. 

Question. You did not ask him about his organization? 

Answer. No, sir ; I thought I knew pretty much all about his 
organization, because I had inquired of other persons who had been 
there. 

Question. Did you inquire of Dr. Garnett about it? 

Answer. No, sir; I saw an account in the paper of his having been 
elected surgeon of the company, and knowing him to be a son-in-law 
of Governor Wise, of Virginia, I supposed it would be very natural 
for him to join such a company — that is, a company on the democratic 
side ; the other one, I believe, is on the republican side. I told Mr. 
Carrington, yesterday, that I thought all these companies were for 
political purposes, looking beyond the 4th of March. 

Question. Has your notice been called to any resolutions adopted 
by the National Volunteers, and published in the newspapers, as to 
what they intended to do in a certain contingency ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not recollect of any. 

Question. And you have not been led to make any inquiries of any 
one as to the purposes of that organization ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I have talked with some of the members about it. 

Question. Can you give us the names of any of them ? 

Answer. I have talked with one man in my office — a Mr. Thorn- 
ton — who was one of them. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. ]29 

Question. How many of your men do you think belong to it ? 

Answer. As near as I can ascertain, I think there are some seven 
or eight of them. 

Question. Have you instituted any inquiry throughout your police 
force to ascertain whether they are loyal to the government ? 

Answer. I have had frequent conversations with numbers of them 
in relation to the issues pending now, and I do not think there is a 
man of them but what will defend the government against any attack. 

Question. Suppose that Maryland should secede, and attempt to 
assert jurisdiction over this District as against the United States, have 
you satisfied yourself whether your police would help the United 
States to defend its property, or help the State of Maryland to assert 
her jurisdiction over the District as against the United States? 

Mr. Branch objected to the question as going beyond the line of 
inquiry proper for the committee to pursue. 

After discussion, the question was propounded to the witness by Mr. 
Dawes in this ibrm : 

Question. Have you satisfied yourself, from investigation, what your 
police would do in the event that Maryland should attempt to secede 
and assert jurisdiction over this District as against the United States? 

Answer. I can answer that question in this way: During this whole 
crisis, as it is called, we have had frequent conversations, or they can 
hardly be called conversations, for they have listened to me talking. 
Sometimes one of the lieutenants would talk to me in the presence of 
the men, and sometimes some of them would join in. We would talk 
about the position this District occupied towards the government, and 
towards the other States, and what would be our duty, and what 
would be expected of us in certain contingencies. I am one of those 
persons who go against secession strong, and I have expressed my 
views to the men. Most of them, if not all, have taken the oath to 
support the Constitution of the United States, and they would be 
expected to stand by the government as long as there was any gov- 
ernment. In case of the secession of Maryland, then the question 
would arise whether this District would naturally go back to Mary- 
land in the position it was in before its cession to the United States, 
and whether they should not rightly be a party to that transfer ; that 
we were not a flock of sheep to be transferred by the mere will of 
others, but that we ought to have a say in it, and would have a say 
in it ; and that it would be for the people of the District of Columbia 
to say whether they would go back or not in a contingency of that 
kind; and unless the thing was amicably settled, it would be our duty 
to stand by the government of the United States. 

Question. That was the way you expressed yourself? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; more than twenty times ; that of all people in 
the United States we were the most interested in the perpetuity of the 
Union. 

Question. Have you found your police agreeing with your views ? 

Answer. They would have their ideas, and their way of expressing 
themselves in case such and such a thing should take place — in case 
there was a peaceable secession, and this District went with the 
southern or with the northern confederacy. 
H. Rep. Com. 79 9 



130 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. In case of a conflict between (lie authorities of Maryland 
and the United States over this District as to who should have it, did 
you get from your police their views upon thai subject? 

Answer. I do not know thai I ever had thai question put to them ; 
I do not know that I ever did present that question directly ; bul I 
had a conversation with one of my lieutenants some time ago in 
relation to matters, as to what we might be expected to do on the -1th 
of March. And I said 1 wanted to know of him the opinions of the 
men, tor, if there was any lighting to be done, I did not want to be 
standing by the side of a man who would shoot me as quick as he 
would any one else; and that if there was any such man as that I 
wanted him to resign, and let me know it, for 1 did not want any man 
under me serving two masters. 

By Mr. Branch: 

Question. You are tolerably well acquainted, I suppose, with the 
general sentiment of the people of this District? 

Answer. I think I am as much so as any other man. 

Question. Do you think they are generally favorable to the preserva- 
tion of the Union, or unfavorable to it? 

Answer. I think a large majority are in favor of the preservation 
of the Union. 

Question. Do you think that, with the power now possessed by you 
and by the mayor of the city under the law, with such aid as you 
could get from the President through the militia of the District, you 
would be amply able to take care of the public property here from now 
until the 4th of March ? 

Answer. I think so. 

Question. Have the companies of the regular army been sent here 
with your advice, or, so far as you know, with the advice and wish of 
the mayor of this city ? 

Answer. I think not. I can speak for myself; I have had nothing 
to say or do in it ; and, from conversations with the mayor, I do not 
think he has. 

Question. You have no doubt that, with the means within the 
District and within your reach, you could make the government 
entirely secure ? 

Answer. That is my impression ; for I have no idea that there is 
any danger to be feared here, unless it comes unexpectedly from 
abroad. 

Question. Suppose it did come unexpectedly from abroad, it' it did 
not come in extraordinary force, would you still be able to protect the 
government ? 

Answer. I think the whole mass of the people would turn out to 
detend it. 

Question. What length of experience have you had in connexion 
with the police affairs ot this city ? 

Answer. I have been justice of the peace since January, 1842 ; and 
shortly after the auxiliary guard was established, during Mr. Tyler's 
administration, I was made captain of it. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 131 

Question. Then for nearly 20 years you have been connected with, 
the preservation of the peace of this District? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 
Question. What is your age? 
Answer. I am in my sixty-second year. 

By Mr. Reynolds: 

Question. Your opinion as to your ability to defend this District 
depends upon the force that may attack it ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and the aid I can receive from the President and 
the military organization of this District. 

Question. Your idea is that there is no danger? 

Answer. No danger existing here. On the occasion of the inaugu- 
ration of the President there is always an additional police force 
appointed by the city, but not heretofore by the government, I 
believe. 

Question. You do not mean to be understood as saying that your 
police force and this aid you could receive would be sufficient to defend 
the public property here from a large force? 

Answer. Not from any large force. 

Question. Then the extent of your ability to defend depends upon 
whether the city is attacked by any considerable force? 

Answer. By any considerable force ; yes, sir. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. The sufficiency of your police, so far as regards the dangers 
that you anticipate, relates to matters inside the city, that is, the 
people of the city ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. It has no reference to an invading force? 

Answer. I cannot say what may come from outside and abroad. 

Question. Have you heard any threats on the part of any persons 
to resist by force the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have not. 

Question. Have you heard any talk about it, any more than in a 
loose way ? 

Answer. That is all ; that such a thing might be done; that the 
people from abroad might interpose and put down the inauguration. 
By Mr. Branch : 

Question. What amount of force do you think that the President 
could call into service in this District, all true and loyal men, devoted 
to the Union and attached to the government, and whose services 
could be relied upon in behalf of the government? 

Answer. In Georgetown and Washington, I should suppose, he 
might get into service in a very few days, or in a week's time, some 
4,0110 men. There are more militia than that, but it is difficult to get 
them <iut. 

Question. You think he could get that many? 

Answer. Yes, sir. It seems to me that if there was any danger of 
an attack from abroad the people here would turn out not less than 
4,000. 



132 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. Do ycu reckon the National Volunteers among that 
Dumber? 

Answer. Well, I believe tbey would turn out. 

Question. Do you count them with the others? 

Answer. Yes, .sir. 

Question. And you would rely upon them as a part of the force to 
deiend this city against any attack? 

Answer. Yis, sir; that is their professed object, and that of the 
Union Volunteers, and all those companies. 

J. H. GODDARD. 



No. 23. 

Tuesday, February 5, 1861. 

Ctpeiano Ferrandint sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Where do you reside? 

Answer. I reside in Baltimore. My place of business is under Bar- 
nnm's Hotel. 

Question. How long have you lived there? 

Answer. I have lived there sixteen years. 

Question. Have you lived there all the time during those sixteen 
years ? 

Answer. Yes, sir, except a little trip I took to Mexico last winter. 

Question. Were you in Mexico during the Mexican war? 

Answer. No, sir, not during the Mexican war; I was there last 
winter. I went into Juarez's army ; 1 had a commission in that 
army. 

Question. Did you belong to his army ? 

Answer. 1 did, for three months only; I then resigned and came 
back home. 

Question. You held a commission in the army there? 

Answer. I did. 

Question. What was it ? 

Answer. Captain of infantry. 

Question. Have you ever been a teacher of infantry tactics, or any 
other military drill ? 

Answer. Not professionally so ; 1 have taught it in companies that 
I was connected with in the State of Maryland. 

Qu stion. That is, you have had charge of the drillings of com- 
panies ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I was at one time commanding the hafayette 
Guirds, a company in Baltimore. 

Question. Was that some time ago? 

Answer. I resigned there three years ago. 

Question. Have you been engaged in drilling any company lately? 

Answer. I have. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 133 

Question. What is the name of the company? 

Answer. The Constitutional Guards. 

Question. Of how many does the company consist? 

Answer. They told me, when I joined it, that it consisted of forty 
men, but I have never seen more than fifteen or sixteen there at any 
time. 

Question. Are you hired to drill them ? 

Answer. No, sir; I do it voluntarily. 

Question. Where are you drilling this company ; in a drill-room? 

Answer. In a drill-room or headquarters. They have adjourned 
now to the headquarters of the National Volunteers, and drill there. 

Question. What do you mean by the National Volunteers? Is it 
a company or a regiment? 

Answer. It was formerly a political association ; they are now 
drilling as a military volunteer corps. 

Question. In Baltimore? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Is it similar to the one in this city ot the same name, or 
have you any knowledge about the one in this city? 

Answer. I have no knowledge of any one in this city. 

Question. There is a company of that name here, and I did not 
know but what the two were associated together in some way. 

Answer. Not that I know of. 

Question. Do you know the number of volunteer companies in 
Baltimore ? 

Answer. No, sir; I do not. They only formed last Saturday for 
the purposes of drilling. They have existed since the election, and. 
also previous to the election, as a political society ; but not as a mili- 
tary corps until last Saturday. 

Question. Have they got their arms? 

Answer. No, sir ; they are going through the school of soldiery, 
and have no arms in their possession. 

Question. Do you know what immediate purpose this company 
that you are drilling has in view ? 

Answer. 1 do not know as it has any particularly, except that they 
are forming to protect their State, the same as any other military com- 
pany, I suppose, under the orders of the State of Maryland. 

Question. Are they regularly organized under the laws of Mary- 
land ? 

Answer. Not yet ; they are only now formed. They have no offi- 
cers elected, no one but instructors. 

Question. It is simply, thus far, so many individuals who assemble 
together to drill ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; last night was the first night that the National 
Volunteers came in line to drill. They were formed, enrolled, last 
Saturday. 

Question. How long have you been drilling this company you spoke 
of? 

Answer. About a month. 

Question. Do you know whether it is the intention of the company 
to attend the inauguration here ? 



1 3 I ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. No, sir ; they do not intend to do so ; not as a body. 

Question. Do you know whether it is the intention of any of those 
jiii sons to prevent the inauguration ? 

Answer. No, sir ; they have no such intention. There is nothing 
connected with the city of Baltimore that has any intention of that 
sort. If there was one I should know it. They are formed for this 
purpose: to prevent northern volunteer companies from passing 
through the State of Maryland. They do not wish to come them- 
selves, and do not wish any other volunteers to come for that purpose. 

By Mr. Dawes. 

Question. They are drilling for that purpose? 

Answer. Not only that one, but several other companies have the 
same purpose. 

By the Chairman. 

Question. Do you know of the existence of any organization, any 
military company, or any secret society, or of any understanding 
among individuals, that has tor its object the prevention of the 
inauguration of Mr. Lincoln on the 4th of March? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Or to prevent his coming through the State of Maryland? 

Answer. No, sir ; none whatever. 

Question. Butitis simply, as you understand it, to prevent northern 
volunteer companies from coming through ? 

Answer. A northern invasion ; that is about the whole of it. 

Question. That is the idea? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; that is the opinion of the men that are drilling. 

Question. Has it not always been customary, or for a great many 
years, tor volunteer companies to come here from various sections of 
the country to attend upon the occasion of an inauguration? 

Answer. No, sir ; it never was heard that a President came here to 
Washington with a military company to escort him. And it was 
said that Mr. Lincoln was coming with a volunteer guard, though 
that was afterwards contradicted by the newspapers. 

Question. I do not refer to that. But frequently volunteer compa- 
nies visit different parts of the country when anything especial is 
going on, merely for the purpose of display, merely to show them- 
selves. For instance, there have been several companies here during 
the year ; and that is almost always the case at an inauguration, 
merely lor the purpose of display. 

Answer. At this present time, with all the excitement that there 
is. I think those companies ought to come the same as the people come, 
or stay at home. 

By Mr. Dawes: 

Question. Your purpose is to keep them away, in the shape of com- 
panies, as a peace measure? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. To prevent the effusion of blood? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 135 



By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. Does the purpose of your company refer to men coming 
here peaceahly, or to men coming with arms in their hands? 

Answer. To men with arms in their hands. 

Question. Not to peaceable citizens coming in companies or sepa- 
rately, but to those who come with arms in their hands? 

Answer. Yes, sir, that is all ; to companies with arms in their 
hands. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. You are willing they should come, if they come in a man- 
ner agreeable to the wishes of the citizens of Maryland ? 

Answer. Certainly. 

Question. Have the people of Maryland, or any organization in 
Maryland, suggested in any public way in what manner they would 
be willing to have people come through Maryland? 

Answer. I do not know aa there is any resolution of that sort. I 
speak merely the sentiments of the company. There is no oath, or 
obligation, or privacy, or anything of the sort. The drill-room is 
open. 

Question. You say their purpose is to prevent volunteer companies 
from coming here, as such, to attend the inauguration. In answer 
to Mr. Cochrane, you say they do not object to their coming, if they 
do not come with arms in their hands. I inquired if the people of 
Maryland have signified to them in what particular way they would 
be willing to have them come here? 

Answer. I could not say as to that. 

Question. I mean those of the people of Maryland with whom you 
act? 

Answer. Those with whom I act are certainly opposed to any body 
of men passing through Maryland to come here to help the United 
States troops, or anybody else, to invade the south in any shape or 
form whatever. 

Question. I speak of attending the inauguration? 

Answer. Their object is not to allow any organized military com- 
pany to pass though — that is, any volunteer company ; not the United 
States troops. 

Question. Have the association with whom you act intimated in 
what way they will be willing to permit them to come? 

Answer. That is the only way I have ever heard them express any 
opinion. 

Question. Have you given any notice that they must come in any 
particular way, or that they must not? 

Answer. No, sir ; they have not given any notice. 

Question. Is it the intention of your organization to resist their 
coming? 

Answer. I do not know as it is the intention particularly of our 
organization. I say that it is the sentiment of all. They may change 
that sentiment when that time comes. 

Question. Do you mean that it is the sentiment of the people of 



136 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Maryland generally that the people of the Dorth shall not he permit- 
ted to attend the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln in a particular v&y? 

Answer. With arms, as military men. They can come as individ- 
uals, as they ordinarily come. 

Question. Have you ever known military companies to come, as 
military companies, to attend inaugurations here? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I have seen them. 

Question. Have yon ever known the people of Maryland to make 
any opposition to their visiting here in such a manner? 

Answer. No, sir ; I never did. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you suppose it to be the purpose of those men that 
are drilling, to resist the passage through the State of Maryland of 
any volunteer companies with arms in their hands? — I mean, for 
them, merely as citizens, or to aid the State of Maryland to oppose 
them? 

Answer. If the authorities of Washington called for the militia, 
tor instance, of New York or Pennsylvania, or any other northern 
State, to come here, ihey certainly will be repulsed in Maryland. 

Question. Will they be repulsed under the authorities of the State 
of Maryland, or merely by the citizens voluntarily? 

Answer. That 1 do not know. 1 do not think that will be done by 
the authority of the State, because, from the opinion of Mr. Hicks 
at the present time, 1 do not think there will be any danger of that 
sort. 

Question. Now, by way of understanding your meaning, suppose 
thai the President oi' the United States, Mr. Buchanan, should issue 
his proclamation calling for volunteers from Pennsylvania to aid in 
defending the Capitol, and one or more companies should attempt to 
pass through Maryland in obedience to his proclamati >n ; and suppose 
that the governor of Maryland should say nothing about it. neither 
forbid it nor grant it, would the company that you are drilling feel 
called upon to turn out to resist them? 

Answer. The sentiments of my company are pretty much the sen- 
timents of the whole of Maryland. 

Question. That is what I want to get at. 

Answer. I think they would act on that oocasion. 

Question. Act as against the United States? 

Answer. They would repulse any volunteer coin;. any coming 
through Maryland, ordered in whatever form it mi 

Question. Do you think they would repulse any volunteer company 
coming here on the call of the United States, and without direction 
from the authorities of the Stat'' of Maryland to repul 

Answer. That I do not know. 

I 'a. stion. 1 mean, would tin ; them, on their own responsi- 

bility? 

Answer. I do not know about that; I cannot say whether they 
would or not ; 1 am not at liberty to state anything but my own feel- 
ings ; I cannot state their sentiments as far as that is concerned. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 137 

Question. You have stated that you did not think that Governor 
Hicks would call upon these companies to repulse volunteer compa- 
nies passing through ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not think lie would. 

Question. Still, if he did not, you think they would repulse them? 

Answer. That might be by the sentiment of Maryland ; if every 
person in Maryland felt like I do they would. 

Question. As far as you are concerned, you are of that opinion? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Does this opinion arise on your part from the conviction 
that the authorities of the United States have not a right to call for 
volunteers to defend their own property? 

Answer. No, sir ; I only think there would be blood shed, which 
otherwise would not be. 

Question. Do you think it would be better to give up the property 
than to have blood shed? 

Answer. No, sir; I do not think there would be any attack made 
upon it. 

Question. You feel sure of that? 

Answer. I am perfectly certain there will not be. 

Question. You think there is nobody in Maryland to do it ? 

Answer. There is nobody in Maryland that would take it or at- 
tempt to take it ; but as I said if a force should come, then the people 
of Maryland would certainly rise in defence of their own State, which 
otherwise they would not do. 

Question. That is to prevent people coming through their State 
with arms? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. They would do that in defence of the south? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you heard of any property of the United States be- 
ing taken lately in any of the southern Slates? 

Answer. None but what I see in the papers. 

Question. You suppose that those statements are substantially cor- 
rect in regard to some of the forts and navy yards being taken ? 

Answer. I suppose it is ; I have read it but I do not pass any opin- 
ion in regard to it. 

Question. Perhaps this is rather wandering from the inquiry ; the 
object is to get at the real purpose these men have that are drilling ; 
if their purpose is lawful, of course that need not concern us ; if they 
are unlawful, they might concern us, and perhaps I ought to confine 
the inquiries more particularly to them. Have you any idea how 
many companies are drilling in Baltimore? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have heard that the Minute Men have 15 com- 
panies. 

Question. What are they ? Are they anything different from the 
National Volunteers, so tar as you know? 

Answer. I do not know what their object is ; they have asked me to 
drill company C, but I was engaged to drill this company, and so I 
declined. 

Question. Do you know when these Minute Men were organized? 



138 ALLEGED HOSTILE OKGANIZATION 

Answer. Tliey organized themselves during the election. They 
are Bell and Everett men, or they were formerly. 

Question. In politics they were Bell and Everett men? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You have heard it said there were fifteen companies of 
them ? 

Answer. I have heard so ; yes, sir. 

Question. Do you know how large the companies are? 

Answer. They told me there were from forty to fifty in each company. 

Question. What do you understand to he their purposes, or have 
you heard them ? 

Answer. 1 have not heard, except the sentiment 1 have just now 
given. 

Question. You mean to resist the passage of military companies 
from the north ? 

Answer. To resist anything of that description that may come. 

Question. Do you think they have it in contemplation to seize the 
Capitol it Maryland should secede? 

Answer. No, sir ; they have not. They have nothing in contem- 
plation of that sort. They do not third; of Maryland seceding, not. 
unless Virginia secedes. If Virginia goes, then Maryland goes witli 
her. That is the sentiment of the people in general, 1 believe. 

Question. Suppose Virginia and Maryland should secede, is it the 
sentiment that tin' Capitol would belong to Maryland then? 

Answer. They expect to pay tor it. 

Question. To buy it? 

A uswer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Suppose it could not he sold? 

Answer. Their intention is to buy it. 

Question. And in older to make sure of huying it, do you think 
they would consider it necessary to seize it first ? 

Answer. No, sir; I have not heard anything of the sort. 

Question. You have heard no such sentiment expressed? 

Answer. No, sir; nothing of that sort. Whenever they will do 
anything of that sort, they will not do it privately ; they will do it 
publiclj . 

Question. This company that you are engaged in drilling drill 

mostly (Veilings, 1 suppose? 

Answer. Yes, sir; we have no time to drill in the daytime. 

Question. Did 1 understand you to say thai the drilling was done 
with open doors, so that everybody could go in whenever they pleased ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Is there any drilling done, or I een, with the 

doors (dosed and a guard at the door? 

Answer. No, sir ; the National Volunteers have never drilled hut 
one night. 

Question. 1 mean the company you have been drilling for a month? 

Answer. Wo drill in another i rm ry, and we have n 

had any guard at the door. 

Question. Where was it : in the third story? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 139 

Answer. No, sir ; it was the first floor above; it might he called 
the second story. 

Question. And no guard at the dour, and nobody excluded? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. It was company C of the Minute Men that requested you 
to drill them ? 

Answer. Yes, sir; 1 think it wis the company C; so I was told. 
I diil not pay much attention to it, because I had no inclination to 
drill them. 

Question You were alrea ly engaged ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

C. FERRANDINI. 



No. 24. 

Tuesday, February 5, 1801. 
Charles (J. Wagner sworn and examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you reside in this city ? 

Answer. 1 have been residing here for nearly a year past. 

Question. Have you never resided here before? 

Answer. Yes, sir; I resided here from the latter part of 1853, I 
think, to 1857. during Gi neral Pierce's administration. 

Question. Were you conuected with one of the departments? 

Answer. I was here in the Pension bureau from 1853 to 1857. I 
then went out, and was register of the land office in Minnesota. I 
resigned and was called in last ebruary. My last engagement with 
the government was as chief clerk of the Census bureau ; and I 
resigned that place some time in December last, upon the secession of 
my State — the 24th or 25th of December, I d> not know which. 

Question. Do you know of the existence of any secret or open 
organization here that has for its object any violent interference with 
the operations of the government? 

Answer. 1 do not. 

Question. Either military or civil ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Qui f i' hi Have you ever heard any talk of such a thing, except 
common rumor? 

Answer. 1 have: heard it talked of 1 1 1 r . > : ij; H the streets. 

Question. I do not now allude to sensation articles that appear in 
lie papers; but have you heard individuals talk about it, and sp il 
of it as an existing fact? 

Answer. Well, I have had many private conversations with gentle- 
men of my own section, confidential conversations, relative to the 
nt state ol the times and the course of this administration, which, 
of course, you would not ask me to state. They are matters which 
belong entirely to my own section. 



1 10 ALLEGKD HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Question. To what do you refer as your section? 

Answer. To the south altogether, and my own State, and the cotton 

States. 

Question. Which is your State? 

Answer. South Carolina. 1 have held, and still hold, confidential 
relations with that State. 1 am connected with Colonel Hayne here. 
1 have had many conversations with leading gentlemen of the south. 
I have had I lie good fortune to be in a position w here 1 have had many 
conversations with them ; but, of course, that is a matter you do not 
desire me to go into. 

Mr. Reynolds. II' it refers to this inquiry, it would be very proper 
that we should have it. 

The Chairman. It would depend altogether upon what it was. 
For instance, an ordinary confidential relation, thai does not relate to 
the subject of inquiry, we would not solicit information about if we 

could. 

The Witness, 1 am perfectly free to stale anything I know. I 
am one of those gentlemen that whatever i do the sun can shine upon. 

By lie Cn URMAN : 

Question. Do you know of any considerable number of military 
companies called the Minute Men? 

Answer. In this cily ? 

Question. In or out of the city. 

Answer. 1 do not ; nothing more than what I have seen in the 
papers. 

Question. Do you know the purpose of any one company ? 

Answer. I do not. I have not been in any connexion with them 
in any shape or form. 

Question. And you have no knowledge of them except what you 
derive from the public prints? 

Answer. None at all. 

Question. Have you any actual knowledge of an association called 
the K. G. Cs. ? 

Answer. I have not. 

Question. You do not know whether such an association exists or 
not? 

Answer. No, sir ; 1 know nothing more about it than wdiat I have 
seen in the papers, and I have not felt interest enough in it to ask 
about it. 

Question. You state that you have no knowledge upon this sul 
pi what 3 if a private and confidential character. Can 

you state whal you mean, in general terms, by confidential relations? 
The obj he q i is to see whether they are e: 'y out 

ol t lie reach of proper inquiry. 

Answer. I will state distinctly that they have no connexion at all 
with the subject which I understand you are upon— a conspiracy 
against this government , or against this city. 1 know nothing of any 
such thing. My convei sations have been of an entirely different char- 
acter. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 141 

Question. They have related, I presume, to plans for securing 
redress for what was believed to be southern grievances ? 

Answer. Preeisrly. 

Question. Have any of them related to any plan of operation ? 

Answer. I have never had any conversation with anybody about 
plans. What I allude to is conversations with gentlemen, not in 
regard to any settled plan at all of any kind or character ; nothing 
more than a general, loose conversation upon the subject of the day, 
which would naturally occur upon gentlemen meeting together, upon 
which I would give my opinion, and another would give his opinion. 

Question. Rather suggestions than plans ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I r ive given my own opinions very freely ; I 
have not hid them. I have got my own opinions, and I have ex- 
pressed them. 

Question. Have you heard discussed the subject of preventing Mr. 
Lincoln's inauguration? — I mean, preventing it by force. Have you 
heard that subject discussed freely? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; we have heard that all around. I have discussed 
it myself, and given my opinion as an individual. 

Question. You know of no concentrated opinion or plan in reference 
to it? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Have you heard, in the circle of your friends, opinions 
expressed upon that subject? 

Answer. 1 have. 

Question. Many dissenting from suggestions made? 

Answer. Precisely; some differing from the suggestions of my own 
mind that 1 have given at times in the hotel and in private rooms. 

Question. Wherever you happened to meet ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; without any idea as to a plan of any kind. 

Question. Have you heard like suggestions witli regard to seizing 
this city? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Recntly? 

Answer. No, sir, not very recently; not since my State went out, 
because, so far as my State is concerned, I owe my allegiance to her, 
and am ready to obey her behest. I do not know that she has any- 
thing of the kind in contemplation. 

Question. All suggestions coming from you since that time would 
naturally resolve themselves into State action ? 

Answer. Entirely the action of the State. I do not suppose that 
my State has any such idea ; at least I have not. Mine are mere opin- 
ions, like those of any citizen. 

Question. If you were called upon to propose any plan in connex- 
ion with any such subject, you would not think of doing it outside of 
the State? 

Answer. I would not. 

Question. You are a native of South Carolina? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you know whether any troops, or volunteers, per- 



142 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

haps, I ought to say, have been enlisted here in aid of South Carolina 
as against the government? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. None to go from here to S uth Carolina to aid them 
there? 

Answer. No, sir; I do not. It would be a very small business, for 
we have all we want. 1 have never heard of any such thing. \ have 
seen in the papers tenders of troops, and 1 know we could - I all we 

want. 

Question. Do you know Mr. Ezell, former door] House? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Did you ever hear of his trying to get recruits for that 
purpose ? 

Answer. No, sir; 1 have not. He was a clerk in the Census bureau 
with me, and since liis resignation 1 have ool se< n him more than 
twice. He is not a native ol South Carolina, and has been very little 
in the State, and I have not talked with him at all on the subject. 

Question. Perhaps I ought to limit th m, to make it strictly 

legal, to this : Have you ever htard him say that he was eng iged in 
enlisting ? 

Question. No, sir ; I have not. You need not limit your questions 
at all, tor 1 am entirely ready to answer them. From whi i I heard 
him say, so far from his being engaged in enlisting troops, n ) mind 
received an entirely different impression. 1 advised him myself to 
resign. 1 said that as lie was claiming to be from South Carolina, I 
thought he ought to resign, lie said he would like to go home the 
last tune I met him since his resignation, but he had not the means 
of going home. I do not know that he is lure now; it lie is, 1 do not 
know it. 

Question. You alluded to some relations between yon elf and 
Colonel Hayne. Did you mean to convey the idea that you had offi- 
cial relations with him, or merely friendly relations? 

Answer. Yes, sir, official relations; lam acting as sect ary for 
him. 

Question. Audit is such information as you may havi received 
from your official relations with him that you deem confidential, and 
improper to communicate? 

Answer. No, sir; it is not so much that. Of course that 1 should 
suppose you would not ask me. When 1 alluded to confidential con- 
versations, 1 meant those that would occur with, perhaps, yourself, if 
1 were intimate with you. 

Question. You would consider it betrayii g gi ntlemen's confidence? 

Answer. Precisely; nothing more than that confidence which would 
he the giving out the expressions of opinions as to what A. B, ami (_', 
would think or do in this emergen hat that might turn up. 

Nothing more than the mere suggestion < : . ■ i's tniuds. 1 would 
be very willing to give my own suggestii ns : I have not been at aU 
silent or choice in them. 

Question. Well, state to some extent your own views. 

Answer. They were juel these: when, for instance, it was suggested 
as to preventing the Capitol from tailing into the hands oi tin- north, 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 143 

I have seen it in the papers, and heard it on the streets, that the Dis- 
trict of Columbia should never he permitted to go into the hands of 
th" northern confederacy, in case the entire southern States went out. 
I was perfectly ready to take any part to defend the south in her 
claims to the District of Columbia. But my own opinion has always 
bi < o that, until Maryland seceded, no southern State would ever ask 
for the District. It was one of those reversionary interests, if it re- 
verted at all, it would have to be upon the action of Maryland. It 
was just in that view of the expression of opinion that would turn up 
that I allude to. I would prefer to have every gentlemen give his 
own opinion, and not state it myself. I did not mean that there was 
any concentration of opinion, or any particular purpose. 

Question. Have you ever heard gentlemen express themselves in a 
way fbat would lead you to suppose that they regarded it as a duty 
to prevent the regular operations of the government going on, such 
as counting the votes, and the inauguration of the President, unless 
Maryland had seceded? 

Answer. I have never heard any suggestion as to that. I have 
heard mi □ chat over the subject ; some one would ask the question, 
how would they get over it in case there is not a governor, hut never 
as to any violent preventing it. 

Quest on. That is, that senators and representatives might absent 
themselves? 

Answer. Precisely; and in that event, it was asked, what would 
you do. It was a mere matter of opinion. 

Question. You have never heard discussed the subject of a violent 
attack ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Unless Maryland seceded? 

Answer. Never heard even that, so far as the counting the votes 
was concerned. 

Question. You have stated very frankly your own view, or your 
own position ; that you would have been ready in any suitable way, 
such as taking up arms, or anything of that kind, to defend the rights 
of the south growing out of the secession of Maryland, and this rever- 
sionary interest being in controversy. Have you ever heard any con- 
siderable number of responsible persons express any view that they 
entertained that went beyond that, as against the United States? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have had but very little conversation about it. 
My circle is an exceedingly limited one ; I never attend any meetings 
or any thing of the kind ; I have never taken any lot or shaie in any 
District movements since I have resided in Washington. My social 
circle is ixceediugly limited. I have seen notices in the newspapers 
for meetings for volunteers, all of which have been perfectly idle 
winds to me; I have never paid any attention to them, or been to any 
of them, or asked about them They were matters that did not con- 
cern me at all. With the exception of a very few social acquaintances, 
my time is spent with my family. 

Question. Your lamily is here? 

Answer Yes, sir. 

Qu stion. Are you st'.ll connected with the Census bureau? 



1 M ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. No, sir; I resigned in December last, as soon as my State 
went out — somewhere along the 23d or 24th of December ; I went out 
about the same day that our members did ; either the same day or 
the day after. 

Question. You have neve!- belonged to any of these military organ- 
izations? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Nor to any other organization here? 

Answer. No, sir 

Question. Nor had any knowledge of them in any shape? 

Answer. No, sir ; except from the public prints. 

Question. You have spoken of this reversionary interest following 
the secession of Maryland. Did you confine that opinion in any par- 
ticular conversations with other gentlemen, and. SO far as they indi- 
cated their opinions, did they confine them to the mere question of 
jurisdiction, or does the opinion go to the very title of the property 
that the government owns here? Would this reversionary interest 
extend to the soil thai the government has bought? 

Answer. That is my opinion ; I give it as the opinion of a lawyer, 
for that is my profession. 

Question. That the government would be incapable of holding any 
property here? 

Answer. I take it so ; I look at it like one of those things where the 
object of the grant ceases it reverts to the grantor. I take it that the 
giant was lor the purpose of the capital of the federal government. 

Question. You do it then upon the principle of confiscation ? 

Answer. I do it upon the principle of the entire failure of the gov- 
ernment. 

Question. That would apply as readily to money as to any property? 

Answer. I am one of those that want to have an equal division ; to 
do justice to all sid 's. 

Question. You have told all you know in regard to the object of 
inquiry ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

CHS. WAGNER. 



No. 25. 

Wednesday, February 6, 18G1. 
0. K. HlLLARD sworn and examined. 

By the CHAIRMAN: 
Question. "Where do you reside? 
Answer. 1 reside in Baltimore now. 
Question. Have you long resided there? 
Answer. For the last six weeks. 
Question. Had you never lived there before? 
Answer. I lived there nineteen years at one time. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 145 

Question. How long had you been absent from Baltimore previous 
to your returning tins time? 

Answer. I reckon I was in New York for seven years. 

Question. For the last seven years? 

Answer. Not exactly the last seven years. I have been travelling- 
south most of my time for two years past; all through the States — 
the southern States as far as Texas. 

Question. But New York was really your home previous to this? 

Answer. Previous to my travelling south, New York was my home. 

Question. Did you travel through the most of the southern States? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Are you connected with any military organization? 

Answer. I am not. 

Question. Have you any knowledge or acquaintance with a military 
organization called the Minute Men? 

Answer. No, sir ; not the Minute Men. I am not a member myself 
of any military organization. I was a member of one, but I have 
resigned. 

Question. Of what organization ? 

Answer. Of the Seventh Regiment of New York National Guards. 
I resigned, however, three years since. 

Question. Have you any knowledge of an organization existing in 
the United States called the K. G. C.'s? 

Answer. I have some knowledge of such an institution. 

Question. Did you ever belong to it? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you any knowledge of what their objects are? 

Answer. I have not an accurate knowledge ; I have an idea what 
it is for. 

Question. Based upon hearsay, mostly ? 

Answer. Hearsay, altogether. 

Question. What do you understand, according to hearsay, its object 
to be? 

Answer. I thought its object was to aid the liberal government of 
Mexico ; that is what I have always been led to suppose. 

Question. A sort of filibustering organization, as we should say? 

Answer. Exactly ; upon the Nicaraugua- Walker principle. 

Question. Do you know of the existence anywhere of any organiza- 
tion, secret or open, that has for its object any interruption of the 
operations of the general government? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Or of any attack upon any portion of the public property; 
such as the Capitol, the navy yard, the arsenal, or anything of that 
kind? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Or that contemplates any interruption of the operations 
of the government in any respect, as, for instance, the inauguration ? 

Answer. There is an organization in Baltimore city now, having 
no such purpose as that that I know of; but it is to prevent what is 
termed Wide-awakes, or any armed body of men, from coming on to 

H. Rep. Com. 79 10 



14G ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Baltimore with Mr. Lincoln. Mr. Lincoln will not be interrupted as 
a citizen alone, but with an armed body of men he would be. 

Question. How extensive is this organization? 

Answer. It numbers sonic six thousand men now, I think. 

Question. All in the city of Baltimore? 

Answer. All in the city of Baltimore. They are gaining members 
every day. I do not know the exact position of it now. 

Question. Is it a military organization? 

Answer. Well, sir, they drill without muskets. 1 presume they 
would be supplied with muskets if necessary. 

Question. By whom would they be supplied — by the State authori- 
ties ? 

Answer. I do not know who will supply them. I believe, though, 
that the arms are all ready for them now ; hut I am not certain. I 
would not say they were ready ; but my belief is that they are. 

Question. Of how many companies does the organization consist? 

Answer. That I do not know ; but there will be quite a number of 
them. In a body of men of that size there must be at least sixty 
companies, 1 suppose, to number six thousand men. 

Question. Do you state this number from actual knowledge, or from 
hearsay only? 

Answer. I state this from hearsay, as I am not a member of the 
organization. Therefore, my knowledge is altogether from hearsay. 

Question. How long have they been organizing? 

Answer. I think for the last tour weeks. 

Question. From all that you have heard you state the number to be 
six thousand ; that is, you believe it to be six thousand? 

Answer. I should think it was quite six thousand. 

Question. You stated that their main purpose was to prevent armed 
bodies ot men coming here with My. Lincoln? 

Answer. To the best of my knowledge and belief, that is it. 

Question Are you pretty extensively acquainted in Baltimore? 

Answer. Yes, sir : I do not suppose there is a man that lives in the 
city who is better acquainted there than I am. 

Question. Have you ever heard any other objects expressed than 
that you have mentioned? 

Answer. Yes, sir: I have. I have heard that one object was to 
attack Fort lb Henry ; but I do not believe that. 

Question. That is, you do not believe they will attack it? 

Answer. I do not believe that this organization was got up for that 
purpose. If it was necessary to take Fori McHenry, it would be done 
without any organization. Therefore it is not necessary for them to 
get up a body of men for that purpose ; there is no occasion for it at 
all. 

Question. Who is at the head of that organization? 

Ansuci. I do not know who is at the head ot it. I expect there 
are fifty heads of it. 

Question. That is, the leads of the different companies who com- 
pose it? 

Answer. I suppose so ; I presume every captain of every company 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 147 

has something to say in the matter. I do not know that they have 
elected a general-in-chief'yet. 

Question. Can you mention any of these heads of companies? 

Answer. I had rather not answer that question. I will answer any 
question concerning myself, but I should dislike to answer the other. 

Question. Does this organization extend beyond the city of Balti- 
more ? 

Answer. I think not. 

Question. You think it is confined to that city? 

Answer. That particular organization is. 

Question. Have they adopted anv name? 

Answer. I think it is National Volunteers. 

Question. Do you know any of the men that are connected with it? 

Answer. I think I do. 

Question. Are there any men in Baltimore that you ever heard say 
that they were connected with it? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. What are their names? 

Answer. I would rather not answer that question. 

Question. I suspect that is the very question we want answered. 

Answer. I do not think I ought to compromise my friends. I will 
answer anything in connexion with myself individually ; and if you 
will mention some name, and ask me if I know it to be one connected 
with the organization, I will tell you ; but I do not think I should 
tell you the names I know. It is a very delicate matter, and I do not 
know what the consequences would be to myself. 

The Chairman. It would seem to be a direct, proper, and legiti- 
mate mode of inquiry, in view of what has gone before. The witness 
states that there is an organization in Baltimore of six thousand men, 
but he states that he bases that remark upon information not upon 
positive knowledge. Then the question was asked : Who is at the 
head of it? He says there are many heads, perhaps fifty. Who are 
they? The general statement, proceeding upon information, not 
knowledge, as explained by the witness. Then the question is put : 
Have any of these persons told you that they were connected with the 
organization ? 1 his is with the view that if there is importance 
enough to it, those individuals who have the exact knowledge may be 
brought here. It strikes me that it may be material to have these 
names. But I will take the sense of the committee. 

Mr. Branch. My view of it is this, that there are two inquiries to 
be made : first, whether the object he supposes this organization to 
have in view comes legitimately within the line of our inquiry, this 
object being an attack upon the Wide-awakes, should they attempt 
to come here armed through the city of Baltimore. The second is, 
whether the testimony of the witness, being founded altogether on 
hearsay an to the object of the organization, is sufficient to justify us 
in demanding the names of persons belonging to the organization. I 
am not so clear upon the latter point myself. But I am inclined to 
think that the first inquiry I named would be a bar to anything in 
that line ; that is, the query whether we are authorized by the House 
to inquire into the existence of an organization to prevent armed 



148 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Wide-awakes coming through Baltimore on the occasion of the in- 
auguration, or on any other occasion. According to the witness's 
own statement the organization has no hostile designs upon the gov- 
ernment, or against Mr. Lincoln. 

Mr. Dawes. The witness has here disclosed the existence of an 
armed organization of six thousand men, although the understanding 
of the witness is that the organization was simply to resist the Wide- 
awakes coming here to attend the inauguration in a manner not 
agreeable to those in this organization. Suppose the witness is 
honest, as no one questions, in his conclusions, and suppose that 
what he concluded was outside of the purview of our inquiry, yet it 
would he our duty to ascertain whether the conclusions of the witness 
as to this organization are correct in point of fact ; whether he has 
not been misled, for instance. If we should come to the conclusion 
that it was altogether without the extent of our inquiry to ascertain 
about an armed organization to prevent the Wide-awakes coming 
here, nevertheless we should see that it was a correct conclusion on 
the part of the witness whether they had not deceived him ; whether, 
under the guise of an organization to prevent the Wide-awakes coming 
here in any other manner than what would be agreeable to them, 
■was not a cloak under which they were, after all, organizing either 
to take Fort McHenry or to seize upon the capital. In that view of it, 
it recurs to me that we are justified in going to the length of our dis- 
cretion, at least, to ascertain whether that was the real object of the 
organization. I am not so clear myself whether the present phrase- 
ology of our instructions is such as to justify our taking any action 
in regard to an organization in Baltimore, or the State ot Maryland, 
whose actual purpose would be to prescribe rules and forms as to the 
manner in which men shall come here to attend the inauguration. 
But 1 do think it is our duty to see whether that organization has 
any other in view. Therefore I should be lor ascertaining, as far as 
we are able, just exactly what that organization has in view, not 
taking it as conclusive that the witness has been accurately informed 
as to their purposes. 

The Chairman. I suppose that the information as regards their 
purposes is not more conclusive, resting, as it does, upon hearing, 
than it is as to their existence. The error of Mr. Branch is, so far as 
the last, point is concerned, in assuming that the purpose of their 
existence was proved, while the existence of the institution itself only 
rested upon hearsay. They both rest upon hearsay ; and it is equally 
important that we should get persons connected with the organiza- 
tion, and that we should have their names and this witness tor that 
purpose, both in regard to their purposes and in regard to their 
existence. It is all upon hearsay, as 1 understand it. This witness 
does not belong to the organization, he says, but makes his state- 
ments upon opinion. Then the question was : Have any of these 
officers or persons connected with the organization told you that they 
belonged to it ? Yes, sir ; they have. Who are they ? That is the 
question. Mow, that question is just as important for the purpose 
of enabling us to determine what their purposes are, as it is as to 
whether the organization exists. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 149 

Mr. Cochrane. This organization, as I understand it, does not 
claim to be secret ; they are open to view, not only as to their exist- 
ence, but as to their object ; so I infer from all the evidenca which we 
have upon that point. 

The Chairman. I do not think that question has yet been put 
together. 

Mr. Cochrane. I assume that to be the fact ; therefore I do not see 
that there is any legal or other objection to disclosing the names of 
the parties who have disclosed the existence or the object of an organi- 
zation of that kind. As to the question of disclosing, that addresses 
itself to the discretion of the committee. I should feel no more 
difficulty in asking the name of a person who has expressed him- 
self as to the purpose and object of this association than I would in 
asking the disclosure of the name of the persons who disclosed the 
existence of the organization. The only question which addresses 
itself to my mind is, whether there is any useful object to be obtained 
in pressing further for information upon this point, in respect to 
which I think there is sufficient evidence before the committee already 
to satisfy us of the existence of an organization, and the specific pur- 
pose for which it had its initiation. 1 am not, therefore, for screening 
the witness from the disclosure of these names because of any delicacy 
which he may feel, or the crimination of any acquaintance that it may 
result in. I only feel a doubt in regard to the worth of the further 
prosecution of the inquiry. But inasmuch as it does not follow that 
further inquiry should not be made of these individuals when their 
names are disclosed, and inasmuch as, if their names are disclosed, 
it would be an element of further satisfaction to the committee, I 
should say (hat the witness should render the names to the committee. 

The Chairman. Perhaps it might be well, before the question is 
pressed, to ask the witness whether the organization he alludes to is 
a secret or open one, and then bring up the matter so that the ques- 
tion, in the same shape, may come in ; or this may be pressed now. 

Mr. Cochrane. I do not deem that the inquiry is in the direct line 
of the purport of the resolution given us in charge; but I regard 
that it is legitimate as an inquiry upon a subject which may result in- 
directing us to the subject which we have given us in charge by the 
House. 

Mr. Branch submitted the following formal objection : 

First. The objects of the association or organization being stated 
on hearsay by the witness, are not sufficiently established to justify 
the committee in compelling the witness to disclose the names of per- 
sons supposed to belong to it. 

Second. If its object is such as the witness lias heard it to be, that 
is, the preventing armed Wide-awakes from passing through Balti- 
more, it is not within the scope of the inquiry which this committee 
were instructed by the House to make. 

The objection was overruled. 

The examination was then resumed, as follows : 

By the Chairman : 
Question. We now desire you to state the names of any persons 
that you have heard say that they belonged to this organization? 



150 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. What will be the consequences if I object to answer? 

The Chairman. That I cannot state ; we simply have our duty to 
perform, and you have yours ; we think it is our duty to press the 
question. 

Mr. Cochrane. I think the witness ought to give this information 
to the committee. 

Mr. Dawes. We all appreciate the delicacy on the part of the 
witness ; but the objection to voluntarily furnishing the name is all 
removed when the witness does it under objection and upon the call 
of the committee. There can then be no objection, so far as the 
matter of delicacy is concerned ; it is relieved altogether of that. 
While the witness may feel constrained not to disclose the names of 
his friends voluntarily, it is, of course, for the witness to say when 
there is such a constraint upon him when be is brought into court as 
a witness and put under oath. 

Mr. Branch. The law empowers committees of Congress to compel 
witnesses to answer, as fully as in a court of justice. 

The Chairman. This witness came before the committee, not volun- 
tarily, but subpoenaed by the committee, without being privy to it 
himself. He is brought here, you may say, by force, and is now 
required to answer the question by the same power that brought 
him here. 

Mr. Branch. Perhaps I ought to say, in order that the witness may 
not misunderstand me, that the law empowers a committee of Con- 
gress to compel answers to questions, and gives them as much power 
as a court of justice possesses, provided that the question is pertinent 
to the object of inquiry. Whether it is pertinent or not is for the 
House of Representatives to determine, when the question is brought 
to their consideration. 

The Witness. Has the witness a right to know whether the ques- 
tion is pertinent or not? 

Mr. Branch. That is for the committee to decide. If the witness 
appeals from their decision, then the question goes to the House. 

Mr. Dawes. If the witness declines to answer, then the matter 
can be taken before the House ; and the House will pass upon the 
question, whether it is a proper one or not. If they decide it is not 
a proper one, then they will not compel him to answer. If they 
decide that is a proper one, then they would take such course with 
the witness as they might think tit. 

The Witness. I think I owe it to my friends not to answer the ques- 
tion. If it only concerned myself, I would answer it immediately. 

Mr. Dawes. I have no doubt but what the committee appreciate the 
feeling of the witness in not desiring to disclose the names of his 
friends ; yet it is for him to consider, whether he can be reprehended 
at all, under the circumstances, by his friends. 

The Witness. I do not know what the consequences would be. You 
know what Baltimore city is ; it is a wild place. If they were to know 
that I disclosed these names, I have no idea what the consequence 
might be. There is no organization with any intention whatever to 
come to Washington. 

Mr. Dawes. You know of no such organization ? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 151 

The Witness. None that I know of; and those men I do know, and 
whose names I could disclose, I am satisfied belong to no such, 
organization. They stated that they belonged to what were called 
the National Volunteers ; I think you had one of that organization 
before you on yesterday. 

Mr. Dawes. Who was he ? 

The Witness. Mr. Ferrandini. 

By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. You decline to answer this question for prudential 
reasons? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; for personal reasons. I do not think it is im- 
portant to the committee. I do not object to answer because I object 
to the committee at all. I do not want to be impertinent or disre- 
spectful. 

Mr. Dawes suggested that this point be passed over for the present. 

By Mr. Cochrane : 

Question. In regard to this association, did you understand it to be 
a secret association ? 

Answer. No, sir. They drill with open doors, I believe. 

Question. Is its existence spoken of freely in Baltimore? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; there is hardly a man in Baltimore but what 
knows of this organization, and for that purpose, and that purpose 
only, I think. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Have you any other knowledge of the objects of this 
association than seems to be possessed by the people of Baltimore 
generally? 

Answer. I have not. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Are you engaged in business in Baltimore at the present 
time? 

Answer. 1 am not at present. 

Question. Is it generally known who the officers of this organiza- 
tion are? 

Answer. I take it there are a great many outside of the organiza- 
tion itself who know who they are. I do not think the members 
themselves try to keep it secret at all. I do not think there has been 
any secrecy. I understand they are known on the street by a red 
ribbon on the coat, so that if you should send your Sergeant-at-arms 
over there I expect you could get a thousand of them almost any time. 
I know that at the meeting the other night at Baltimore they were 
known by a red ribbon on their coats. 

Question. Where do you expect they are to get their arms from? 
Have you ever been told by any of the members of the organization 
where they expected to get their arms? 

Answer. My impression is that they have their arms already. 



152 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

"Where they came from I do not know ; I presume, though, by pri- 
vate subscription. 

Question. Have you ever been solicited to join this organization? 

Answer. I have. 

Question. By whom ? 

Answer. That question I would rather not answer, because I would 
then be giving you the name of one of the officers. 

Question. Are you under any sort of pledge not to communicate 
that fact ? 

Answer. I am not. 

Question. If this organization is so notorious, that is, if its existence 
is so notorious that they do not try to keep it secret, what could be 
the harm of your disclosing these names? 

Answer. As I said a while ago, 1 do not know what the conse- 
quences would be. I do not fear anything except in regard to myself. 
1 might receive some personal injury if I did disclose their names, 
because they are men who would not like to be taken from their work 
for a day or two to come down here for nothing, or what they would 
look upon as nothing. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Do you apprehend that you might be exposed to some 
persona] injury for that inconvenience to them ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I apprehend that from the character of some of 
the men I know. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Have you belonged to any military organization in New 
York since you resigned in the Seventh Regiment ? 

Answer. I have not. 

Question. Do you know of the existence of any organization in New 
York city that is to act in connexion with these National Volunteers 
in Baltimore? 

Answer. I do not. 

Question. Have you ever heard that one existed there for that 
purpose? 

Answer. I have read in the newspapers something of the sort. I 
never heard it from individuals. 

Question. Nothing more than what you have read in sensation 
articles in papers? 

Answer. Only what I have read in the papers. 

Question. Upon what do you base your opinion as to the number of 
this organization? You stated that it was 6,000, at least. Do you 
base that almost exclusively upon what has been told you by men 
who are members of the organization? 

Answer. Entirely so. 

Question. By their own representations? 

Answer. By what I understood individuals to say at the meeting 
the other night at the Maryland Institute for the purpose of calling a 
convention over the head of the governor. I heard a man remark 
there that it was over 5,000 strong then. 



IN TIIE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 153 

Question. Did he make that remark in a public speech ? 
Answer. No, sir ; he was a citizen in the crowd. 
Question. Made it to some one who stood by him in the crowd ? 
Answer. He made it to me. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Was he a member of the organization ? 
Answer. I presume he is a member ; I do not know positively that 
he is. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Have you ever heard any member of this organization 
say anything about their coming to Washington? 

Answer. Not a word. 

Question. Either that they were or were not coming ? 

Answer. I have heard them say that they were not coming ; that 
they had no such intention — no such idea at all. Their object was 
simply for the purpose I have stated, and no other. 

Question. To prevent northern military companies passing through 
there ? 

Answer. To prevent any military companies passing through, 
northern or southern ; it would make no difference which they were. 
To prevent any armed men going through when Mr. Lincoln shall 
pass through. Individually, they have the greatest respect for Mr. 
Lincoln ; and I think there would not be a solitary thing done, unless 
some military comes with him, which they look upon in the light of 
a threat. 

Question. Do you understand that this organization is got up to be 
ready to meet this anticipated threat, if it should come? 

Answer. Exactly so; that is exactly what it was got up for. 

Question. Do you understand that they raised arms by private sub- 
scription on that basis alone? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and I think that the day that Mr. Lincoln passes 
through Baltimore will satisfy everybody what their object is. The 
city of Baltimore is very strongly in favor of the Union — two to one, 
I should think. 

By Mr. Dawes : 

Question. Will you be kind enough to tell the committee what you 
know in reference to the sources from whence they obtained their 
arms? 

Answer. I have nothing more than what I have said ; I do not 
know anything more. I think they have arms ; I do not know posi- 
tively that they have ; I merely think so. And I think their arms 
were purchased in that way. 

Question. Have you any knowledge as to where they were obtained ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. You said you did not think this organization contem- 
plated the taking of Fort McHenry, because you supposed if there was 
any occasion to take it, it would be taken in another way. In what 
way ? 



154 ALLEGED ITOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. I never heard but one man make that remark, and he was 
not a member of the organization. He merely gave it as his opinion 
♦ hat that was what the organization was for. 

Question. You thought it would be taken in another way, if there 
was any occasion to take it ? 

Answer. By the citizens of Baltimore, for the preservation of their 
rights. 

Question. I allude to the manner in which it would be taken, not 
to the purpose. 

Answer. They would take it, of course, with arms, if they took it 
at all. They could not go there and blow it down with their breath ; 
they would have to take it with cannon and muskets? 

Question. Why do you think these companies have no idea of co- 
operating in any such thing? 

Answer. Because I never heard any one say it was for any such 
purpose. All the members I have talked to seem to be of one opinion. 

Question. Have this organization any connexion with the attempt 
to hold a convention over the head of the governor ? 

Answer. I think not. 

Question. Who was the gentleman who, at the meeting, told you 
that they were already 5,000 strong? 

Answer. I do not know that he was a member of the order, and I 
can give you his name. He is Colonel Philip Barry. 

Question. Why have you any more objection to telling us the names 
of the officers of the company than you have in telling his name? 

Answer. Because, in justice to myself, I do not think I have any 
right to do it. 

Question. Have you any objection to telling us the reason why you 
make a distinction between this gentleman and the others? 

Answer. The man who told me that is a man of no influence at all, 
either political or any other ; and the possibility is, that whatever I 
might say would not result in anything to me. 

Question. Are the others men of political influence? 

Answer. Some of them are, I believe, and some are not ; that is, 
they formerly were in politics ; they were mostly democrats. 

Question. Who have held position in the party? 

Answer. That I do not know. 

Question. Are they men of influence in the city of Baltimore? 

Answer. I suppose some of them have what is called shoulder-hit- 
ting influence — rowdy influence. That is about all. 

Question. They are intimately connected with this organization? 

Answer. I think that some of them are. 

Question. Is it from them that you have obtained what you have 
stated to us as to what you suppose to be the purpose of the organiza- 
tion ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Have you obtained from them any information respect- 
ing the purposes of the organization? 

Answer. I cannot recollect now that I have. 

Question. Will you tell us what information you have obtained 
from them respecting the purpose of the organization ? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 155 

Answer. I cannot, because I placed no confidence in them at all. 

Question. Have you been to any of their places of drilling, when 
they were drilling? 

Answer. I have not ; never in my life. 

Question. Do you know who any of the individuals are who are 
teaching them? 

Answer. You had one before you yesterday, Mr. Ferrandini. 

Question. Do you know any of the others? 

Answer. I cannot say I do, positively. 

Question. You have stated that this organization has sprung up 
within the last month ? 

Answer. I think so ; I am not certain. I will not state positively. 
My impression is that it is not over five weeks old. 

Question. What is your age? 

Answer. I was twenty-eight years old the 4th of last August. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Did you travel through the southern States on business, 
or for pleasure simply ? 

Answer. I travelled partly on business and partly for pleasure. 

Question. Did you travel all over the southern States? 

Answer. All over the southern States. Yes, sir. 

Question. Were you the agent of any corporation, or company, or 
organization? 

Answer. I was at one time engaged with a mercantile firm in New 
York, and at another time with one in Baltimore. 

Question. Agent for business transactions? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; altogether. 

Question. Except so far as your pleasure was concerned? 

Answer. That is all. 

Question. Nothing connected with either the politics or the troubles 
of the country? 

Answer. Not a thing. 

[The witness was requested to retire while the committee consulted 
concerning the questions the witness had declined to answer. After 
a short time the witness was recalled. 

The Chairman informed the witness that, for the present, the com- 
mittee had concluded not to press him to answer those questions. If 
they should deem it necessary hereafter, then they would recall him 
and insist upon the answers.] 

0. K. HILLARD. 



156 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 



No. 26. 

Wednesday, February G, 18C1. 
Philip P. Dawson sworn and examined. 
By the Chairman : 

Question. Where do you reside? 

Answer. In Baltimore city. 

Question. Are you an old resident there? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I was born there, and have lived there all my 
days. 

Question. And you are very well acquainted there? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you know anything of any organization that exists 
in this city or in Baltimore that has for its object any attack upon 
the Capitol here, or any interference with the government in any 
shape ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not. Permit me to place myself right upon 
the record. I do not want it to be supposed that there is any seces- 
sion in me. I am a Marylander and a Union man out and out ; 
nothing else. I presume I have been summoned here for the purpose 
of getting at a conversation that occurred between a gentleman and 
myself. 

Question. I will ask you in a moment about that. You have no 
knowledge of the existence of any such organization ? 

Answer. I have no personal knowledge of it at all. 

Question. Have you heard it talked ahout ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I have heard it charged in the streets that there 
was an organization of that kind. 

Question. Have you ever heard anybody say that he belonged to 
such an organization ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I never heard a man say he belonged to any 
organization of the kind. 

Question. State any conversation that you may have heard having 
a bearing upon this subject. 

Answer. There was a conversation between a gentleman and my- 
self, perhaps the latter part of last week. We were both discussing 
the present difficulties ; he taking an ultra view, perhaps, of one side, 
that of secession, and 1 of the other side. In that conversation he 
admitted to me that there was an organization of that kind in the 
city of Baltimore, and that he knew who led it, and where their meet- 
ings were held. That is about all I know about it. In fact, yes- 
terday before I came down here, hearing that 1 had been summoned, 
and presuming that it had grown out of that conversation, he met me 
on the street; indeed hs had been looking for me. And he then told 
me he knew who led the organization, and where it met. That is 
about all I know about il. 

Question. Who told you this? 

Answer. It was Mr. Joseph II. Boyd, a lumber merchant in South 
Caroline street. 



IN THE DISTKICT OF COLUMBIA. 157 

Question. Did he specify what the object of the organization 
was ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; the object was to make an attack upon the Cap- 
itol, as I understood it, and to prevent the inauguration of Mr. Lin- 
coln, the President elect. 

Question That was some day last week you say ? 

Answer. It was either on Friday or Saturday last that he told 
me. On yesterday when he met me, he refused to give me the names 
of the parties ; where he got his information, or how he got it, I am 
unable to say. But my impression was that he got it from one of the 
parties ; so I thought from the way he spoke. 

Question. Did he indicate anything in regard to the magnitude of 
the organization — how large it was? 

Answer. No, sir ; nothing more than this : that a gentleman re- 
marked to him that it would surprise him to know what was going 
on. 

Question. What was going on in this respect. 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Are you well acquainted with this Mr. Boyd? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I have known him for years ; we grew up to- 
gether. 

Question. Is he a man that indulges freely in loud and gassy talk — 
a boastful sort of man — or is he a cautious man ? 

Answer. He is rather cautious ; that was the way I took this ex- 
pression of his. Supposing that somebody had been blowing to him, 
as the phrase is, I remarked to him, "0 ! somebody has been let- 
ting off a little gas to you." " No," he said, a little indignantly ; 
and he replied a little tartly that it was a man of standing who had 
said so. 

Question. Is Mr. Boyd a man of standing and position in Bal- 
timore? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I should say so. 

Question. He is regarded as a respectable man ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You say he is a lumber merchant ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Is he largely engaged in business? 

Answer. He has been doing a very pretty business. He is a man 
who is worth considerable property. 1 should judge him to be worth 
some $30,000 or $40,000. He has a great deal of property in the 
city. 

Question. He is not a man very much given to blowing, as the 
phrase is ? 

Answer. No, sir ; but he is like all other men who succeed in 
making a few dollars, and getting a little ahead ; he has got his 
enemies. I have not seen a man yet, who has made a few dollars, 
that I do not find some one who had something to say against 
him. 

Question. You have given all the information you have on this 
subject? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

PHILIP T. DAWSON. 



158 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

No. 27. 

Saturday, February 9, 1861. 
Joseph 11. Boyd sworn and examined. 

By the I Ihairman : 

Question. Where do you reside? 

Answer. In the city of Baltimore. 

Question. Are you an old resident there? 

Answer. 1 was bom there. 

Question. Are you very well acquainted there? 

Answer. Well, yes, sir; I have a large number of acquaintances 
in the city, particularly in the eastern portion of it. 

Question. Are you engaged in business there? 

Answer. Yes, sir; the lumber business. 

Question. Do you know whether there is existing there any organi- 
zation, either civil or military, Becret or open, that has for its object 
any hostile demonstration upon this city? 

Answer. No, sir, 1 do not ; not of my personal knowledge. 

Question. Or any attack upon the Capitol here, or any of the public 
buildings here ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not know of anything of that kind. 

Question. Or that has for its object any resistance to the inaugura- 
tion of Mr. Lincoln ? 

Answer. I do not know of any such organization. 

Question. There is none tor that purpose? 

Answer. None that 1 know of. 

Question. Or that contemplates any interruption of the proceedings 
oi Congress or of the government in any Bhape? 

Answer. No, sir ; 1 do not know anything of that kind. 

Question. Do you know of any military organization there recently 
formed for any purpose ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not know of any. I know there is an organi- 
zation, at least I saw the accounts in the public papers the other night 
calling upon the National Volunteers, five of its companies from A to 
F, to meet to drill. 

Question. You saw the call in the papers for these several companies 
to meet to drill ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you any knowledge of the organization more than 
what you have seen in the papers? 

Answer. No, sir ; it is a democratic organization. 

Question. A political organization ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. I have never heard of anything on foot to 

disturb the Capitol at all, or interfere with the President, or anything 

of that kind. 1 know that people have their views, their individual 
Opinions, which 1 have heard. lint that is about all that 1 know of. 
Question. How long has this organization been in existence? Do 
you know ? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA 159 

Answer. I think it originated somewere in the latter part of the 
summer. 

Question. Previous to the election ? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Do you speak of the National Volunteers ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; there are some 2,500 of them, I believe ; there 
was some three months ago. I have been at one or two of their 
meetings, but I never heard anything except that it was a political 
organization. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. How recently were you at one of their meetings? 

Answer. I have not been at any of their meetings since the election, 
although they have had their regular meetings since that time. 

Question. Were they in the habit of drilling before the election? 

Answer. No, sir ; I never knew it until I saw the call in the papers 
the other day for so many companies to meet and drill. There are 
minute men there who have formed themselves into companies ; they 
are of the opposite party — the Bell and Everett party ; 1 believe they 
have different companies, and I believe they drill. The military 
spirit is up there now, more so than I have ever seen in my life. The 
old military companies are enlarging themselves, and have divided 
themselves off into companies under the same name, alphabetically 
arranged. 

Question. That is, the companies assume names after the letters of 
the alphabet? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Are these companies of Minute Men and National Volun- 
teers armed ? 

Answer. Not to my knowledge. 

Question. They have not got arms yet so far as you know ? 

Answer. Not to my knowledge. 

Question. Do you know when this system of drilling first com- 
menced ? 

Answer. No, sir ; all I know about the drilling is the advertisement 
I saw in the paper. 

Question. Do you know who is at the head of the National Volun- 
teers in Baltimore? 

Answer. I think it is Mr. Wni. Byrne, the same gentleman, I be- 
lieve, that brought the electoral vote of the State to Washington. 

Question. Was he one of the electors? 

Answer. Really I do not know whether he is or not. I know he 
was delegated to bring the returns here by the electors who met at 
Annapolis. Now, as regards my opinion in the matter, I do not be- 
lieve there is any organization there determined to do any injury to 
the country. I believe our people are divided in regard to this matter; 
and if the difficulty is not settled, I believe a large portion of our 
people are for the south. 

Question. In case of a division? 



1G0 ALLEGED IIOS1ILE ORGANIZATION 

Answer. Yes, sir ; but nobody wants to see it. God forbid that a 
happy country like this should lie distracted by a question that will 
destroy all our happiness as a people. 1 love my country, and I want 
to see it united as long; as time lasts. And many a man in Maryland 
would sacrifice his life it that would heal the diflieulty. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. Is that the general feeling in Baltimore? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I believe it is. We are all union men, but we 
all love the south ; we do not want our rights to lie trampled upon. 
And, therefore, we say in regard to the south, as Ruth of old said : 
" Your God shall be our God." That is our feeling ; but we would 
all like to see the Union preserved. 

Question. You would like to see the Union preserved honorably and 
fairly ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Do you know upon information, or upon your own knowl- 
edge, what immediate object these companies have in view irom drill- 
ing now ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not. I could not say ; I have no positive 
knowledge. 

Question. Have you heard it talked of much? 

Answer. No, sir ; not particularly the National Volunteers. Their 
drilling did seem to create any excitement at all, from the fact that 
the other party, the Bell and Everett party, have been doing the same 
thing. They are rival organizations. 

Question. Do you belong to any one of these companies yourself? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I joined the National Volunteers previous to 
the election ; but 1 have never attended their meetings since the 
election. 

Question. I mean, do you belong to any one of these companies as 
they are now divided and designated by the letters of the alphabet? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have never been to but one or two of their 
meetings, perhaps three of them, and that was prior to the election. 

Question. Where do they bold their meetings ? 

Answer. They hold their meetiugs on Fayette street, in the neigh- 
borhood of Battle Monument, just a few doors from Calvert street. 

Question. Have you ever heard any of these men belonging to any 
of these companies express any determination to resist the passage of 
Mr. Lincoln through the .State of Maryland? 

Answer. No, sir ; I have not ; not particularly that I recollect of; 
not any member of that organization. 

Question. You have not heard, even in conversation, any particular 
reason given for their drilling just at this time? 

Answer. No, sir ; 1 have not. 

Question. And you do not know what the purpose is? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not know what the purpose is. I should 
suppose that they wanted to be prepared in case of an emergency. 
That is all, I should suppose. 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 161 

Question. In case of the secession of Maryland, or anything of that 
kind? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Do you believe that they contemplate any action what- 
ever unless Maryland shall secede ; that is, do you suppose they 
contemplate any action until Maryland shall secede ? 

Answer. I do not know ; I could not answer that question — not 
plainly. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. I presume the Chairman means to ask it' they contem- 
plate any action against the government in this District ? 

Answer. I have heard citizens of Baltimore say that if Virginia 
seceded, and Governor Hicks did not give the legislature a chance to 
meet, or the people a chance to have a convention, they did not know 
what would be the result ; and some of them spoke as if they would 
resist under those circumstances. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You heard individuals say so? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. You have no knowledge that that is the settled purpose 
of this organization? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. You have heard that opinion expressed by individual 
citizens ? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you heard that opinion expressed by those you 
knew belonged to tnis organization ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not think I have. I do not think I could 
name a dozen men who belong to this organization if I should try. 
There are a large number that I know, but at the same time I do not 
think I could call a dozen names over. 

Question. Do you know Mr. Philip T. Dawson, of Baltimore? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you recently had a crmversation with him upon 
this subject ? 

Answer. Well, sir, I had a conversation with him some ten days 
or two weeks ago, 1 guess. He is a man very extravagant in his 
remarks. He is a great Hicks man ; and I made a sort of retort in 
reply to him, that I was satisfied in my own mind that the people of 
Maryland were not going to be governed much longer by Governor 
Hicks ; that that was the sentiment, as far as I could judge from what 
I had seen and heard. I furthermore told him that 1 had heard some 
rumors, and what they were ; but I had no idea that the man would 
take the trouble to have me brought down here to Washington. I 
did not exactly like the idea of having my name in the papers as 
being brought before this committee upon this subject, as if I was in 
it myself, or knew something about it. I mix very little with people 
of that class who would be willing to undertake anything like rebel- 
lion. In fact, 1 do not associate with them if I know it. 
H. Rep. Com. 79 11 



162 ALLEGED HOSTILE OROANIZATIOB 

Question. Am I have alluded to Mr Dawson, I will ask you to 
statu as nearly as you can what did ooour between you and him. 

Aiihuii, I had been mel by another gentleman on the street, who 
wanted t < • buy a pieoe oi property I rmn me. He had sold a I urn i that 
lir had in the oountry, and I thought I was going to sell my piece "l 
property to liim. When I mel him I remarked that he had. not called 
according to promise He said he ha I not, foi he hod made up Ids mind 
1 1,> i to spend a dollar; thai he was going to hold on to all the money he 
had, because he though! there was trouble brewing ; I wi.ii I to him " the 
news from Washington to-day looks as if the difficulty would ho 
settled." He replied : " You don't know anything." " Well," said 
I, " you know a great deal , I wii-li you would ^ivu me Boine of your 
information." He then told me that there was a party that metal 
niicIi a place frequently, and thai his brother boarded al the same 
establishment, I «liil not pay much attention to it. He remarked 
thai one of the best men in Maryland was al the head of it. I t"lil 
Mi Dawson the same iliin^ mh I received it. I did not put much 
confidence in it, alii ^Ii he whn a very clever man. 

The Chairman, I would say that Mr. Dawson did not ask to have 
von Binntiiond here, Bui your name was mentioned, and the com- 
mittee defined it best to mud for you. 1 will read you that part of 
Mr. I lawson's tesl imony. 

Mr. Dawson's testimony was then read to the witness as follows ; 

'•Question. Do you know anything of any organization that ex- 
ists in this city or in Baltimore that has for its object any attack 
upon the Capitol here, or any interference with the government in 

any shapl ' 

" Answer, N", sir ; I do not. Permit me to place myself right 
upon the record. I do not want ii to l>o supposed that there in any 
ecession in me. I am a Marylander and a Union man out and out — 
nothing else. I presume I have been summoned here for the purpose 
of getting at a conversation thai occurred between a gentleman and 
myself. 

" Question, I will ask you in a moment aboul that. Sou have no 
knowledge ol the existence of any such organization ? 

" Answer, 1 have no personal knowledge of it, at all. 

"Question, Have you heard it talked about? 

" Answer. Yes, sir; I have heard it chargi d in the street that there 
was an organization of i hut. kind. 

" Question, Have you ever heard anybody say that he belonged to 
any organization of the kind ? 

" Answer. No, sir , I never heard a man say he belonged to any 
organization of the kind. 

" Question, Stale any conversation that yon may have heard having 
a bearing upon this Bubjeol . 

" Answer. There was aeon versation bet ween a gentleman and myself 
perhaps the latter part of last week. We were both discussing the 
present difficulties he taking an ultra view, perhaps, of one side, 
that ol secession, and I of the other." 

[The Witness. He is mistaken there. I never took any such viow.| 

" In thai conversation he admitted to me that there was an organi- 



1S3 



i «rf tikaft kiwi m ft - 

t, sod wiere sfcek wwprtmgr were ieji- 11 
■ - •'-'■ ■ ■ ■- 

--.'.-.. -- : ■:-■."_ .:.*'. ii- ;. "*» :ti zz '-i: 
that es«T«Tassie&, fee nae* nse «w the sr 

1 - ..- c -. i- ' • v. ■' .-. : : ■ ~. - ■ - - - . - -. : -. i : - - 
- -. ■-.--.-■- - - .-■ 7 - -.' » i ".'.".: i : i: . 
lotioL WMtoJ-ijor.:- 
" Answer. It was Mr. Joseph H- Br-ji- a ] 
V. 

..-.--- : Ll: =: -;-. \ v - -_- - - - -.: 
■ -. • - 

.sir: tbe object wag to make 



V. . . . " v. v. - v. -..---■ i • i— : : . i : £ i -s- tt i i : _■ : _• : i 
or "Yon don't know what is io the wind," or somrthing like that. 
He laid that he would not bay a dollar's worth of property- bow, hat 
aid hold oo to all his mean*. He had, as I said before, been 

• : -.■-. : . i _• - . - - ' i _ - -. - - - ■ ■ ' .----. -. ■ £ - - =, • _t 

knew, and he said "a great deal. ' Afterwards he told me tfc*: he 

that was what I bad reference to when I spoke to Mr. Dawson. I 
just gave it to him for a report, as I hare done to yon. 1 am on my 

i-..- .'■-.:. : J . . - :.--- - - ^ .:•.-- - . .- I 

know it. Tbe remark this gentleman made was, that this party met 

-• ..>.• -. . ■ -. '■'... I'. '.■- . : ■ .- =.- : . .:i: :: :: 

bat I did not betiere any snch thing. 

I i . 

Qtev.. r.. ""--.: : . \- ---. - i- ' :'.- :z:y.~? 

Answer. He did not say. 

.'•:■ ;'.- -.•- ;; .-... . - - • - -_.=-_ :-/:v .• :; . -. ■':: :e: : ;. 

:-.:--•. ill- ■ ■ . -. - : j -. : . 

'. ■ ■ 

The Witness. I did not believe any snch thing from the fact that 
that gentleman has been rick some time. Ton know there are a 
thousand reports circulate in these times. I told the man 

that it was tolly to mention it to anybody : that I did not b-r. 

The Chairmas. The only value, in fact a hearse 

would be simply to put the committee on the brack f more legitimate 
jy calling these parties themselves. II not think it -jould 
be upon the record unless we follow it up. 

The Wb , I do not think myself that there is any informs ■ 
that would be worth tracing. I do not place any 
confidence at all myself in this thing. 

B;.- the Cbamsmam : 

Question, fn this conversation that you had with Mr. Dawson did 



164 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

you suggest that the object of this organization, or of any organization 
you talked about, whs an attack upon this Capitol ? 

Answer. No, sir; I iliil not. I aid not know anything of the kind. 
The gentleman who told me this made the remark that I did not 
know what was in the wind, and that the reason that he would not 
purchase the property was that he had heard ho and so. That was 
all hearsay throughout. 

Question. You say that you did not convey to Mr. Dawson any idea 
that there was any organization to attack the Capitol or to prevent 
the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln? 

Answer. No, sir ; I only told him the remark as I had heard it made, 
and as I have told it here. 

By Mr. Dawes: 

Question. Do you know any disposition in Baltimore to obstruct in 
any way the passage ol persons through Baltimore to attend the 
inauguration ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I do not. 

Question Do you know anything of the existence of any organiza- 
tion in Baltimore having any connexion with the anticipated secession 
of Maryland and Virginia? 

Answer. No, sir ; 1 know nothing of that kind. 
Question. What did you mean hy the remark that you did not think 
the people of Maryland would submit much longer to be governed by 
Mr. Hicks? 

Answer. According to my humble judgment, there is a feeling 
among the citizens of Baltimore, within the last ten days, of oppo- 
sition to Mr. Hicks among some of his friends 1 have met with — men 
of some influence. They are all tired of waiting, they say. I think 
there is to be a convention of the people to be held next week ; and 
from the general information I get from conversation, 1 am under the 
impression that the people are getting tired of being debarred of the 
privilege that they consider they have a right to — of being heard in 
this matter through their legislature or through a convention. 

Question. In what way do they think they would relieve themselves 
from further control of Governor Hicks? 

Answer. The public sentiment would drive him from his present 
position that he lias taken in regard to our State, keeping her from 
expressing her sentiments, as we believe them to be. That is my 
opinion. 

Question. How would they, in that way, relieve themselves from 
the further control of Governor Hicks? What is their plan? 

Answir. 1 do not know any plan at all; only 1 should suppose 
that, if he found that the masses were against him, and desired him 
to do so and so as the governor of our State, elected by the people 
of the State, he would do it. That is my opinion and the opinion of 
some others, at jhave said before. I do not believe that Governor 
Hicks would be sustained by the vote of the people of Baltimore 
in any way, shape, or form, for they believe that they have the 
right to speak upon this subject. 

Question. Then your idea of the people of Maryland relieving them- 



H THE DISTEICT OF COLUMBIA. 165 

ntrolof Governor Hicks was only in referer: 
the • - m ? 

jslature. 

Question. What connexion do yon suppose the convention would 
ng the people of Maryland from the further control of 
-n f 'r Hi 

Answer. I only had reference to that particular point of calling 
the legislature, or having a convention. 

Question. Do you suppose the convention would call t~i- \ .:ure 

2 ther? 

sir : I do not think they have any such authority. 

Question. What is the purpose of the convention? 
wer. To speak the sentim 'dryland. 

:estion. Upon what suhjec"- 

Aaswer U| i the crisis, and upon the course of Governor Hicks. 

Question. Do you know whether any of these orga:. - are 

co-operating with this movement to hold a convention? 
sir. 

Mr. Branch I object to this course of examination in reference to 
the internal, dorr. .ity of the people of Maryland, having do 

lever to an attack upon this government, or this District, 
or the government property here. 

Mr. Dawes. Whether it has anything to do with the ultimate ol 
r inquiry would depend altogether upon the character of the 
• " mony elicited. If there were divisions in regard to the internal 
polity of Maryland, and there was a disposition to revolutionize that 
internal polity to remove any harrier in the way of an attack 

upon the Capitol, then it seems to me this inquiry is proper. 

The Witness. I have never heard anything in reference to any plan 
for disturbing the property of the government. 

Mr. Dawks. I desire to find ont the nature of the disturbing ele- 
ments of the internal polity of Maryland, so as to see if, should they 
relieve themselves from the control of Governor Hicks, it would 
expose the public property here to the danger of an attack. That is 
the purpose ot the inquiry. I am aware that, abstractly, the internal 
polity of Maryland has nothing to do with the matter we are in- 
structed to inquire about. It is only as the nature of the evidence 
elicited relates to the ultimate purpose, in view of what may be done 
when they have relieved themselves irom the control of Governor 
Hicks. 

The Chairman. I think the investigation is taking a pretty wide 
range. 

Mr Branch. If 1 supposed it would elicit any such information as 
that, I would not object. But the witness has stated that he knows 
of no organization in Maryland with any such object in view. 

The Chairman. I would not like arbitrarily to rule out any question 
of this kind, but I thought it was strained somewhat. 1 doubt 
whether any very extended examination in that line ought to be gone 
into. 

Mr. Dawes Under the suggestion of the Chairman, of course I will 
not continue the inquiry. 

No further questions were asked the witness. 



166 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 



No. 28. 

Wednesday, February 13, 1801. 
Thomas H. Hicks examined. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You are aware that this committee were directed to in- 
quire as to the existence of any Becret organization that has (or its 
object any attack upon the Capitol, or any other public property. The 
committee having read some passages of your communication to the 
people of Maryland of the 3d of January, 1861, felt it their duty to 
try to obtain your testimony up n some points, and it is with that 
view that they have requested your attendance here. 

Answer. I would very much prefer, if you will allow rue to remark 
here, not to connect names with my testimony, unless the committee 
shall otberwi.se determine, for the reason (obvious to my mind, at 
least, and 1 think it may so present itself to the gentlemen of this 
committee) that if I do so connect the names of those from whom I 
have received verbal or written information, it may close up aveuues 
of information that may hereafter become important. 

Question. I will read a passage or two from your communication : 

"But, my fellow-citizens, it is my duty to tell you that the reas- 
sembling of the legislature is wished for by many who urge it with a 
view to no such specification. 1 have been repeatedly warned, by 
persons having the opportunity to know, and who are entitled to the 
highest confidence, that the secession leaders in Washington have 
resolved that the border States, and especially Maryland, shall be 
precipitated into secession with the cotton States before the 4th of 
March. 

" They have resolved to seize the federal Capitol and the public 
archives, so that they may be in a position to lie acknowledged by 
foreign governments as the ' United States,' and the assent of Mary- 
land is necessary, as the District of Columbia would revert to her in 
case of a dissolution of the Union. It is only contemplated to retain 
it for a tew years, as the wants of the southern military confederacy 
will cause its removal further south. The plan contemplates forcible 
opposition to Mr. Lincoln's inauguration, and consequently civil war 
upon Maryland soil, and a transfer of its horrors from the States 
which are to provoke it." 

With regard to that, the first inquiry the commit lee would wish to 
submit would be, whether you had actual personal knowledge of any 
such matters as we are directed to inquire about ? If you had not such 
knowledge, then what were your sources of information, either verbal 
or written? When you come to detail those, while it is our duty to 
go as near the bottom as possible, many of the answers you are called 
upon to give will have to be left necessarily to your own discretion, 
because you have your duty to perform to your State. We should be 
glad to have the answers as full as you may deem consistent with the 
interests of the public service and of your own State. But when par- 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 167 

ticular questions arise, it will have to be left mainly to your own 
judgment to determine what answers you will give. 

I will now ask you if the declaration in your communication, as I 
have read it, is based upon any positive knowledge in your possession? 

Answer. No personal knowledge of my own. 

Question. VVill you state, as fully as possible, upon what informa- 
tion, either verbal or written, you based the opinion there expressed? 

Answer. I will give the bases of my belief of how this thing was de- 
signed. In the first place, I have the published copy of a letter writ- 
ten the 10th of January, I860, by a firm in Charleston, South Carolina, 
to a French commercial firm in France ; next, a publication, or pro- 
gramme, published in the Richmond Euquirer of the 17th of December 
last. That programme alone would have made very little impression 
on my mind. But interviews with several distinguished gentlemen, 
whose names I would prefer not to disclose, took place, in which dec- 
larations were made that led me to believe that an effort would be 
made to defeat the inauguration of Mr. Lincoln. I do not speak of 
this as evidence as a matter of course ; but I am giving you the bases 
upon which I have formed my opinion of a design to attempt violence 
on or before the 4th of March, upon which I entertained the impres- 
sion that something of that sort was designed. 

The extract from a paper containing the letter referred to was read, 
as follows : 

"The Newark Daily Advertiser has received from its Paris corre- 
spondent copies of two letters from a business house in Charleston to 
another in Paris, which shows, in a more practical way than has been 
done heretofore, that disunion has been a long-settled purpose. The 
first letter was written a year ago, (January 4, I860,) ten months 
before the election of Mr. Lincoln. It contained the following pas- 
sage: 

"The fact of the matter is just this: our United States has grown 
too large to remain much longer as one country. It will soon be di- 
vided into two, viz : a northern and a southern confederacy. The 
south will not then purchase from the north, and will therefore be de- 
pendent upon all Europe. We will (the south,) when we withdraw 
from the northern half, put a heavy tariff on northern goods, and 
open our southern ports free to all the rest of the world. 

"If France, or her manufacturers, want to sell millions more than 
she now does, let her watch the dissolution of this Union. We of 
the south hope for it — we pray for it. We have the cotton and the 
\ rice. We of the south are agriculturists — the northern half are man- 

ufacturers. 

"We (S — & Co.) now want a few dozen of elegant hats from 
France. Do buy for us, say, five dozen fine jet black glossy silk hats, 
for men, of the style you think will prevail at Paris. Spring styles ; 
do avoid the heavy bell crown. We are complete judges of .-styles; 
do not let any of the manufacturers put on you any old hats ; don't 
want heavy rolled brims; want a crown of tashionahle height; brim 
not too wide, with a pretty small curl to the side. No douht some of 
your firm are of good taste. We prefer hats from P— or M— . Do 



1G8 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

tell us if they arc largo manufacturers. We want the maker's name 
inside of the hats, and our names under theirs. 

"S & Co., Charleston, South Carolina. 

"Hats to cost from 10 to 12 francs." 

The Witness. I next come to an interview with those present of a 
committee, the chairman of which was a distinguished gentleman ; I 
would much prefer not to give any names for this reason : it must be 
apparent to all of you gentlemen that if I bandy names about in this 
connexion, it may deprive me ol sources of information which may 
he important hereafter, and yet I cauuot but think bow much trouble 
and excitement might have been avoided if Secretary Floyd had heeded 
the anonymous letters sent to him prior to the John Brown raid. I 
have received many letters, all except one over the signatures of the 
writers' real names, though they are not all exactly connected with 
national matters. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. Without any reference to your communicating the names, 
can you give us to understand more definitely what this committee 
was tor that called upon you? 

Answer. It was to urge me to call the legislature together. A meet- 
ing was held in Baltimore, in the Universalist church, on the Satur- 
day preceding Christmas, and this committee were from that meeting ; 
when this committee called upon me taunts were used, my personal 
safety was alluded to, and reference was made to the hazard I would 
run if persisting in declining to convene the legislature ; reference 
was made to shedding blood, and refusing to allow Lincoln to be in- 
augurated. 1 remarked to them that 1 could not see the necessity for 
the shedding of blood; that they knew I was a southern man and a 
slaveholder ; and one of them spoke of abolitionists coming through 
the State of Maryland on or about the fourth of March, with arms and 
bands of martial music, as a cause leading to bloodshed ; there has 
always been a good understanding between that gentleman and my- 
self ; and when be proceeded to remark in regard to my personal se- 
curity and safety, he spoke of his kind feeling towards me, and I re- 
marked the same to him. This interview was on Christmas eve. 

The morning alter 1 received two letters, one of which was anony- 
mous, the only anonymous letter I have received in regard to these 
matters In these letters I was advised of a movement on foot here 
to bring to bear upon me, as the executive officer of Maryland, such 
a pressure as would compel me to conveue the legislature, and saying 
that if the legislature was convened resolutions would be passed carry- 
ing the State with the south, in order that they might sei/.e upon the 
Capitol with at. armed force. One of these letters was from this 
place. The following Sabbath there were four or five highly respect- 
able and reputable gentlemen present, who heard everything detailed 
by a highly respectable gentleman from Washington, connected with 
one of the first families of our State. He went over very much the 
same ground set forth by the Richmond Enquirer of the 17th of De- 
cember ; that the design was to break up the government, get posses- 



IN THE DISTBICT OF COLUMBIA. 169 

sion of the archives and Capitol, carry Maryland with the south, in 
order that there might he an end of the cession of Maryland to the 
general government of the territory upon which the Capitol and other 
public buildings were placed. And he designated or described the 
gentleman who was at the head of this movement. I believed the 
statement made by this gentleman to be true, because I know him to 
he a truthful and highly respectable man. He so described the gentle- 
man at the head of this movement, without giving his name, that after 
he left the room and went into the parlor with the ladies we all agreed 
as to whom he referred. He did not speak of his own knowledge in 
this matter, but gave as the reason of his having the means of informa- 
tion that he was connected with a particular party of gentlemen here, 
so that he could not help hearing these things. And he gave the 
exact number of gentlemen who were secretly organizing here and in 
the city of Baltimore in reference to this matter. Now, I am not a 
timid man, but I believe in the old adage " forwarned, forearmed." 
And I believe it is well to be forearmed now, in order that if such 
schemes were on foot they might be stopped by the knowledge of suit- 
able and proper arrangements to repel them. 

The following is an extract from the National Intelligencer of 
January 31, 18(il, containing the substance of the programme pub- 
lished in the Richmond Enquirer : 

" 'Civil war ' in Virginia. — We are compelled to believe that our 
sprightly and enterprising contemporary, the Richmond Enquirer, 
aspres to be the Sempronius of political journals. At every juncture 
in our current history its ' voice is still for ioar.' Just a week in ad- 
vance of the late presidential election it predicted that the ' vote of 
Virginia for Bell would divide the people of that State into a northern 
and southern faction, which, beginning in crimination, would end in 
civil war,' or rather ' would inaugurate civil war at the outset.' That 
crisis having been safely passed in peace, we next find our contem- 
porary, in its number of the 17th of December last, advising as follows: 

"' Let the first convention, then, be held between Maryland and 
Virginia, and, these two States agreeing, let them provide sufficient 
lorce to seize the city of Washington, and, if coercion is to be attempted, 
let it begin by subjugating the States of Maryland and Virginia. Thus 
practical and efficient fighting in the Union will prevent the powers of 
theUnionfrom falling into the hands of onrenemies. We hope Virginia 
will depute her commissioners to Maryland first, and providing for 
the seizure of Washington city, Forts McHenry, Washington, and 
Old Point, Harper's Ferry and Grosport navy yard, present these two 
States in the attitude of rebels, inviting coercion. This was the way 
Patrick Henry brought about the revolution, and this is the best use 
that Virginia can make of commissioners of any kind.' 

" The people of Maryland and Virginia not having responded to this 
slogan, our martial contemporary descries the next approach of danger 
in the shape of the convention bill passed by the Virginia house of 
delegates, with a clause providing that the people should be allowed 
to vote whether the decision of the convention, in certain contingencies, 
should or should not be subject to their ratification. While the bill 



170 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

in this Conn wns pending in the Senate, the Enquirer, in its number 
of the 14th instant, held the following alarming language: 

" ' As tn tlic reference clause, our opinion is unchanged. It meets 
our unqualified disapprobation. We believe that, it unamended, at 
the polls it will be full of danger — the (lunger of inducing the dele- 
gates se1 to work, with trammelled hands, to resort to deperate expe- 
dients in order to obtain State action at all ; the danger of " precipi- 
tating" a a volution in our own midst and rivil war among the citizens 
of Virginia themselves; finally, the last, worst danger of all, that of 
disgrace to the State, by delaying action at the very moment when 
prompt action can alone vindicate her honor and assure her safety. 
The mere adoption ol this clause of the bill in the bouse of delegates 
has already served to add new determination to the spirit of northern 
aggression, lis final triumph in the general assembly cannot fail to 
subject us to the increased contempt of our northern enemies.' 

" The legislature, in both branches, having proved insensible to the 

danger thus described, and having passed the bill with this 'popular 
feature' unmodified, we observe that the Enquirer has lost none of 
its faith in military logic, but in its number of the 29th instant warns 
the people ot Virginia against the peril of electing a majority of dele- 
gates not pledged to immediate secession. It says: 

"' // woidd be difficult to estimate the lives [deaths ?] ir Inch would 
result from a triumph of the suhmissionist party in the approaching 
election. A majority of submission ists in the State convention ivould 
produce in our midst all the. tvorse evils of intestine revolution. Events 
have already amply demonstrated the fact that there is a large body 
of citizens in the State who will under no circumstances, and at the 
dictation of no convention or other governmental body, submit to 
black republican rule. The election of submissioniBts to the State 
convention, then, ,ritt tend inevitably to open a conflict between tlie State 
government and a large minority, it not a majority, of the citizens of 
the Commonwealth. Under such, circumstances, every dictate ot patriotic 
duly and public security demands that the good citizens of the State 
shall unite to secure the election of delegates to the convention 
pledged to the policy of prompt resistance to abolition rule.' 

'' We think that, for an advocate of ' peaceable secession,' the En- 
quirer has a remarkable fondness for warlike figures of speech ; and 
it also strikes us as not a little peculiar that there should never be 
any danger of ' civil war ' or ' intestine revolution ' in Virginia except 
when the views of our amiable contemporary are in some danger of 
being thwarted." 

There has been published some of the correspondence between the 
commissioners of some of the southern Slates and myself. And much 
of the opinion I have formed in regard to a contemplated movement of 
that sort has grown out of interviews with those gentlemen, and 
other circumstances, as now detailed. 

Question. I remember to have seen some correspondence between a 
Mr. Handy, the commissioner from Mississippi, and yourself. But 1 
did not know how far it was cornel. 

Answer. The correspondence between Judge Handy and myself was 
published immediately, upon the same afternoon that he left. And 



IN THE DISTRICT OP COLUMBIA. 171 

some weeks after, it was so repeatedly said that there had been a cor- 
respondence between Mr. Curry and myself, that I thought I had bet- 
ter publish it ; and I did so. I mention the names of Mr. Curry, of 
Alabama, and Judge Handy, of Mississippi, because that correspond- 
ence has been published. 

Question. Can you give the date of the publication of the corre- 
spondence between Mr. Curry and yourself? 

Answer. I cannot, for 1 have not the paper with me. But I could 
send it to the committee when I return I do not allude so much, 
however, to anything written, as I do to verbal statements and opin- 
ions expressed to me. Judge Handy said among other things, that 
Mr. Lincoln and Mr. Hamlin would never be installed into office. 
When I reminded him that we were then treating in a way that I did 
not feel easy about, considering what the Constitution said about one 
State entering into agreements or conventions with another, he said, 
" we have watched that point, and do not intend to violate the Con- 
stitution of the United States." I asked him how he would obviate 
that difficulty. He said, " we want Mississippi to go out, say, to-day, 
Maryland to-morrow, and so on, until all the States south of Mason's 
& Dixon's line are out ; and then we would form a southern union." 
1 replied to that that while I deprecated the election of Mr. Lincoln 
as much as he or any other man did, yet I did not think that was a 
cause for breaking up this great country of ours ; that if any one had 
been elected President of the United States in a lawful manner I 
would not like to see the Union broken up because of that. 

1 have some letters here upon the same subject, but I do not think 
it prudent to expose the names. I think the safety of the State of 
Maryland, and perhaps in part the safety of the Union, depends upon 
my concealing the names. One of the parties wrote me two letters, 
and relerred me to two highly respectable gentlemen for his charac- 
ter, veracity, and standing generally. I went to those gentlemen and 
they bore him out fully in speaking of his character. This gentle- 
man wrote of a secret organization. 

Question. Have you given, as far as you deem it proper, the char- 
acter of the contents of these letters? 

Answer. They relate to matters entirely within the State of Mary- 
land. My design is simply to make apparent to the committee the 
bases upon which I have formed my opinion. But I do not consider 
the statements I may make with regard to my own State as evidence 
relating to the main subject of inquiry before this committee. 

Question. Merely as information that has influenced your opinions? 

Answer. Precisely ; that is my design. The committee must see, 
I think, the importance of my keeping the way open for further com- 
municatiors. It it were necessary and proper I could state what 
arrangements were made after the receipt of this first letter from this 
gentleman to whom I have referred. Many may think I have been 
scared by this ; but I have not the slightest trouble from that. I have 
no feeling in the world upon the subject, against any individual, or set 
of men, or party, or section in any way. I was born and raised in 
Maryland ; 1 am a slaveholder, and have been ths owner of slaves 
since I was 21 years old ; and my sympathies are with the south. 



172 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

That I say to the world. But I am a Union man, and would live and 
die in the Union. 

I have made a memorandum here of all that I have relating to the 
subject n | m hi which I came here to speak. I have always intended to 
come before the committee. And I am very thankful to the commit- 
tee for their consideration in not summoning me regularly as a wit- 
ness. These are briefly the grounds upon which I based my opinion : 

First. The letter by this firm in Charleston to the commercial firm 
in France. 

Second. The programme published in the Richmond Enquirer of 
the 17th of December last. 

Third. The interview with the committee of my own State. 

Fourth. These letters and verbal statements. 

By Mr. Cochrane. 

Question. For my own satisfaction, and for the benefit of the com- 
mittee, I should like to ask a few questions in order to put this matter 
upon a proper basis. We have been examining in regard to an exist- 
ing organization here or elsewhere to interfere with the federal 
authorities, or public property in the District of Columbia. Your 
name has become connected with that matter by the proclamation to 
which reference has already been made, and therefore you have been 
called upon. As 1 understand you, the information which you have 
regarding this District may be classified into two distinct parcels, one 
referring to action without the State of Maryland, and the other to 
the intestine commotions within Maryland. I wish to ask what is 
your judgment in respect to the first class of information ; whether 
your judgment has heen modified by subsequent events, so that you 
are satisfied now that there is no present danger from without the 
State of Maryland of any concerted action or confederated movement 
upon the District of Columbia, and federal property and authorities 
here? 

Answer. I have not the slightest idea of any such thing at this 
time. 

Question. Now, regarding the State of Maryland and its difficulties, 
without reference upon the cities and property and authorities of 
Maryland, have you any present belief that there are organizations 
there disciplined with a view to an attack upon the District of Colum- 
bia, the federal property here, or the federal authorities? 

Answer. I have not ; although I believe it was decidedly contem- 
plated at one time. 

By the Chairman : 

Question. You think the whole matter is now changed? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I think it was the settled determination some 
time ago to make an attack ; but 1 do not believe there is the slight- 
est danger of it now. 

By Mr. Brancu : 

Question. Will you state the object that committee had in view that 
made that call upon you? What request did they make of you? 

Answer. To convene the legislature. 

Question. What was the character of the meeting that appointed 
that committee, and where was it held? 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA.. 173 

Answer. It was held in the Universalist church, in the city of Bal- 
timore, and this committee was appointed to wait upon me and urge 
this matter upon me, and the importance of agreeing to the resolution 
requesting me to call the legislature together. 

Question. In the resolutions passed by that meeting was there 
anything indicating a purpose or wish to attack the government or 
property here? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Relating exclusively to matters in Maryland? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; and it was incidentally, in the course of conver- 
sation with the committee, that my personal safety was referred to. 
There was nothing of the kind in the resolutions. 

Question. In the conversation you had with the members of that 
committee, did they intimate to you in express language that it was 
their intent or purpose to attack the government here, or its property 
in this District? 

Answer. No, sir; they did not; that was a matter of inference 
entirely ; I gathered it more from the declaration that the installation 
of Lincoln and Hamlin never would come off, and threats made in 
regard to my personal safety if I did not call the legislature together. 

Question. Do you allude to taunts made by members of the com- 
mittee? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I was not at the meeting at all, and knew 
nothing of the proceedings there except from this committee. 

Question. Then you say the next was an anonymous letter received 
on Christmas? 

Answer I received two letters : one was anonymous, and the other 
was not. One of the letters was signed " Marylander," ihe other was 
irom a gentleman whom I never had seen. 

Question. Did these letters state to you that there was an organi- 
zation to attack this Capitol or government ? 

Answer. The character of the letter signed by a real name was 
more that of a warning to me than otherwise — to let me know the 
object of the terrible pressure brought to bear upon me to convene the 
legislature. They said they had reason to believe there was such an 
organization. 

Question. Did you ascertain who wrote the anonymous letter? 

Answer. No, sir ; it was evidently written by a business man, and 
indicated pretty much the same facts as were indicated in the other 
letter. 

Question. You know there is such a person as the one whose name 
is signed to that other letter ? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; I had the pleasure of seeing him yesterday ; I 
never saw him before. 

Question. Did that letter detail to you the plan of the conspirators ? 

Answer. No, sir. 

Question. Did it state that there would be an attack upon the public 
buildings here? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Did it state the names of any persons engaged in that? 

Answer. No, sir ; it only stated the matter in a general way, and 



174 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

said the ball was set in motion in the city of Baltimore. It was 
started, I supposed, by this meeting in the Universalist church, which 
appointed the committee to come down and call upon me. Then 
meetings were immediately advertised in Prince George's and Talbot 
counties and elsewhere looking to the same object, as I believed, all 
seeming to be dovetailed one into the other. All this convinced my 
judgment that there was something of that sort designed. 

Question. The professed object of these meetings was to induce you 
to call the legislature together? 
Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Nut indicating any design to attack this District? 
Answer. Not these meetings. 

Question. Have you the letter in your possession written by the 
gentleman in this city? 

Answer. I have not. I felt it to be my duty to have the scheme 
publicly exposed, and I placed it in the hands of an editor, and he 
lias not yet returned it to me. 

Question. Was it published by the editor? 
Answer. The substance of it was, withholding the name. 
Question. About what time was it published? 
Answer. I should think from the 10th to the 15th of January. 
You will find it in the Baltimore American at that time ; it was 
copied in a number of other papers. 

Question. Who was the writer of that letter? 

Answer. I would prefer, if the committee will allow me, not to con- 
nect the names of any one of these persons with what I may state here, 
tor the reason that if it becomes known that these names are given by 
me, it would shut oil' the whole way of my receiving information here- 
after, which I consider important to the safety of the people. 

The Chairman. The committee desire to go as far as possible to the 
bottom of this thing. The question just propounded is exactly in that 
direction ; yet it seems across the governor's position and the duties 
to his State, and my own judgment is that he ought to decide for him- 
self as to his own action. 

The Witness. The public security is the only thing I have in view. 
Mr. BRANCH. I would not press the question if it related to facts, 
and the governor should state that he could not divulge those facts 
without compromising the public safety ; but the facts have been 
given, and the only thing kept back is the name of the person from 
whom these facts have been obtained. The public security can in no 
way be involved by divulging the names. The public security can 
only be compromised by divulging a class of facts that would endanger 
the public. We should have that person before us, that he may state 
the knowledge he has of this matter, and put this committee and the 
public authorities in the way of tiacing out and arresting any intent 
of that sort that may he prevailing at this time. In this case I un- 
derstand that the party professes to have knowledge of the particular 
matter about which we are inquiring. 

The Witness. 1 beg your pardon; he only wrote as another gen- 
tleman spoke, that he had heard that such a thing was contemplated, 
and that he believed it to be so, but without knowing any fact con- 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA. 175 

nected with it, except in that general sort of way. And precisely so 
in regard to this gentleman who gave information verbally. He was 
asked if he knew any such thing from personal knowledge, and he 
said he did not. In a word, I consider it very important that I shall 
keep the way open hereafter for the receipt of information, whether 
reliable or unreliable. I recollect distinctly that, during the trouble 
and excitement consequent upon the John Brown raid, I received 
copies of a number of letters from Governor Wise, all anonymous but 
one, which was written from Washington county. Now I have letters 
going to show that theTe is a design contemplated to burn a particular 
bridge and to assassinate particular individuals. All this is to be 
done in the State of Maryland. But I attach no consequence to this 
information. I have no doubt these things are talked over, but by a 
set of men who, in my opinion, cannot organize a system that they 
can carry out. But that the matter is talked over in secret conclave 
I have no doubt. 

After further discussion, the question was overruled. 

The Witness. If I believed for a moment that it would conduce to 
the public interest and safety, I would leave all this pile of letters 
with the committee, which I deem so important to myself ; but I re- 
frain from doing so, that, as one of the guardians at least of the public 
interest and safety, I may keep the way open hereafter for advice and 
information. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. You spoke of conversations that you had with Commis- 
sioners Curry and Handy ? 

Answer. I had no conversation with Mr. Curry. I did not see him 
at all. 

Question. Was there anything in the correspondence between you 
and Mr. Curry that looked in any way to a conspiracy to attack the 
government? 

Answer. Nothing of the sort. 

Question. Was there anything in either the conversation or corre- 
spondence between you and Mr. Handy to that effect? 

Answer. Nothing direct; inferential altogether. There was nothing 
in our correspondence going to that point at all. It was more from 
the conversation than otherwise. He seemed to be very pressing, and 
I could not conceive the necessity for the hot haste with which he 
seemed to press the matter. When I asked him, he said that all these 
things must be done before the 4th of March. I asked why. He said : 
" We never intend that Abraham Lincoln shall have dominion over 
us." 

Question. Did you understand him to mean that they would pre- 
vent Abraham Lincoln from having dominion over them by resort to 
force, or that they would secede ? 

Answer. He did not explain ; I was left to inference altogether ; 
but, judging by all that I knew, I believed it could not be prevented 
otherwise than by violence. But he did not say so. 

Question. It was merely an inference on your part? 

Answer. Yes, sir ; from that conversation and what followed. In 






1 



176 ALLEGED HOSTILE ORGANIZATION 

other words, I combined all these things ; the correspondence and con- 
versations between these gentlemen and myself ; the letters I received ; 
the visit of the committee to me, pressing me, in the earnest manner 
they did, to convene the legislature ; the conversation afterwards with 
the gentlemen to whom I have referred, and various other things — all 
these taken together inclined me to believe that there was a design on 
foot at one time, and that if they could succeed they would do it. But 
I could not look upon the matter as they did. I considered Maryland 
peculiarly circumstanced, and, in my judgment, such a thing must 
end in the destruction of the State of Maryland. 

Question. Have you ever been informed verbally, or have you ever 
received letters from any persons known to you to be responsible men, 
that the person so speaking or writing had a personal knowledge that 
there was a conspiracy in existence for attacking the property of the 
government in this District? 

Answer. No, sir ; nothing except in that general way. 

Question. What did he tell you? 

Answer. That it was a certain, positive design. He spoke of num- 
bers of armed men in the cities of Baltimore and Washington who 
were engaged in it. 

Question. He stated that to you as positively a fact within his 
knowledge — that there was such a design? 

Answer. Not that exactly; but that he had heard it talked of. He 
spoke of such an organization, when his brother, who was present, 
eluded him for being connected with such persons, saying he was not 
engaged in anything of the sort ; and then gave his reasons, from 
knowing about it from other people, being in his position here, attend- 
ing caucuses, &c. 

Question. What I desired to know was, whether any responsible 
person ever informed you, verbally or in writing, that he knew of the 
existence of any such organization ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I think not. 

Question. All your belief is based on inferences and reports? 

Answer. Yes, sir. 

Question. Have you ever communicated to Lieutenant General 
Scott that there was a conspiracy in existence to seize this District or 
this Capitol ? 

Answer. No, sir ; I think, however, it would be improper for me 
to communicate anything that has passed between us in that way. 
He is a public functionary, and so am I ; and I think it is not proper, 
unless the committee should decide otherwise, that I should repeat 
anything that has passed in that way. I do not hesitate to say that | 
there has been a very limited correspondence between General Scott 
and myself. 

Mr. Branch. The object of the inquiry is simply to ascertain 
whether the troops of the regular army have been stationed in this 
city by General Scott upon information communicated by Governor 
Hicks, in order that the House, after seeing all the information upon 
the subject, may see the propriety of requesting the withdrawal of 
those troops. 



/ 



IN THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBI. 

/tness. I can settle that without going any 1. 
[A here before I wrote a syllable to General St. 
/iairjian. The disposition of the troops is not a 1. 
/rol of the Hause of Representatives, much less o 



within 
this com- 



/Branch. Only to request. 

Chairman. The President of the United States is commander- 
(ef of the army and navy of the United States. In the use of 
/roops he is limited only to such disposition of them as would not 
^an act of war against a foreign government. He cannot declare 
^r, and we cannot control the troops. 
Mr. Reynolds. I do not see how we can do anything. 
Mr. Branch. I will not press the question. 

By Mr. Branch : 

Question. From all the knowledge within your reach, from all 
four sources of information, verbal and written, are you of the opin- 
ion that there has been at any time any organization gotten up with 
a view to attack the government and its property in this District? 
\ Answer. I firmly believe that there has been. I do not believe it 
ex ists now ; I believe it has been disbanded. 

Q.uestion. At what period of time do you think that organization 
was \j n existence ? 

4- n \swer. I do not say that it was in existence, but that I firmly 
believt, that there was such an effort being made at one period. 1 
believe so f rom the facts and circumstances brought to my knowledge. 
It may De that it is in existence now, as far I know ; but I do not 
believe ,;t jg. I have very little doubt that there are secret organiza- 
tions no\ v j n the city of Baltimore, limited in numbers and in power. 

Questio. n . Having for its object an attack upon the government 
property in this District ? 

Answer. 1\ 0) s j r j Du t f or the purpose of thwarting the regular 
course of pubi'; c affairs. These are mere matters of opinion, based 
upon such information as j have stated here; I cannot put my finger 
upon any fact or individual that I know to be directly connected with 
it. But 1 think tht., re j s q U ;t e as good reason for believing what I do 
believe as there was fo T believing in the letters sent to Secretary Floyd 
in regard to the John -Brown raid at Harper's Ferry. I think from 
all that I know that the letters I have received are much stronger 
than those were. 

Question. Have you any U-.f orma tion in your possession, other than 
you have already com munical ted to the committee, tending to show 
the existence of a conspiracy tf, attac k the government and its property 
in this District? r L J 

Answer. I have nothing that goes beyond what I have already 
stated, yet I have informa,t iori i 00 king to the same point that I do 
not think proper to give to t^ e comm ittee, unless directly required to 
do so. 

Question In reference trJ your conversation with this committee 
that visited you, did I unci erstan( j you to say that ^hey stated to 
yor tV-\t they knew of an organ i Z ation in existence to attack the 
Rep. Com. 79 — [_12 









V\ 



■"" 



01 



^EGKD 110STILR ORGANIZATION-. 



its property in this District, 

ersatiqp-P 

I only spoke of that as a circumstance 



or did \ 
froi. 

in^me iu n? belie Aha? there was some dwi^W.f that s, 
taunting me, and referring to my personal safety if 1 declined 
the legislature together ; that, with other things, tendc-d to confi . 
in the belief that there was some such design in contemplation, 
[The above was examined and corrected by the witness. \ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 




,, , Ill 

"a 013 703 721 fil 



V 



\ 



